White smoke and ringing bells signaled to Catholics worldwide the election of a new Pope, Benedict XVI. Formerly known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a German, Benedict XVI was the closest advisor the late John Paul II. As leader of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Ratzinger is known as a conservative theologian who has opposed what he sees as a growing trend towards “moral relativism” in the world, and even in the Catholic Church. Make no mistake about it, by selecting Ratzinger as Pope, the College of Cardinals endorsed conservative Church doctrine.
TheStateOf: I was hoping the Cardinals would elect a Pope who was unalterably committed to social justice throughout the world. But, as a self-described traditionalist, I can understand why the College of Cardinals chose to go with a more conservative theologian like Ratzinger. Ratzinger is seen as a bulwark against modernism. The Catholic Church sees certain changes (cloning, abortion, gay marriage, birth control, etc.) in society as backward steps in human spiritual life, and there is some merit in that. At the same time, it seems the Church is living in the past, and today failed to elect someone who can communicate its values without condesceding to members. If the Church believes people should turn away from certain immoral forces, it must explain why in a manner that people can understand. Even though Ratzinger is a great writer, I’m not sure Ratzinger can communicate his message without turning off the faithful. But should a Pope bend his message to the peoples’ will anyway? In the United States, this choice will be received negatively; Europe and Latin America will probably react the same. However, devout Catholics will be very pleased.
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