Local Catholics Say Pope Has Big Shoes To Fill

BOSTON -- After one of the quickest conclaves in the past century, the Roman Catholic Church elected a new leader Tuesday.

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NewsCenter 5's Anthony Everett reported that the College of Cardinals chose Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany as the church's 265th pontiff.

Calling himself a simple, humble worker, Ratzinger, who took the name Pope Benedict XVI, is expected to be a transitional leader due to his advanced age.

Nearly 150,000 parishioners streamed into Rome's St. Peter's Square as white smoke billowed from the chapel's chimney. It took less than two days and four votes to elect a new pontiff. An exuberant crowd cheered the news of the new pope spread.

"It is a very, very special moment -- very special," said Freda Goodwin, of Tennessee. "It's God's will."

Ratzinger has been the church's chief enforcer of doctrine, who spoke about protecting the church from a host of threats -- including liberalism and atheism. He told the crowds, "I entrust myself to your prayers."

For those that gathered, it was a chance to be a part of history.

"It was exciting waiting for the smoke today. The indicator was the first bell. Then, we knew we had a pope," said Jim Hennigan, of Pittsburgh.

"It is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. It is so incredibly historic and thrilling," said Dr. Yvonne Hennigan, of Pittsburgh]

Ratzinger, 87, was born on April 16, 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Germany, and was ordained a priest in 1951. In 1977, Paul XI made Ratzinger a cardinal. He served as the dean of the College of Cardinals and is seen as a religious conservative.

The inaugural Mass for Pope Benedict XVI will be held Sunday morning.

Parishioners Pray For New Pope

Local parishioners attending afternoon masses Tuesday gave their thoughts about the new leader of the church.

At the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, many seemed to like the choice, but said that Ratzinger will have some huge shoes to fill.

"I hope he continues in the same spirit at John Paul II in terms of a pope that moves out of the Vatican and visits the various countries. I think what John Paul II did was give a real strong international flavor to the church," the Rev. David Convertino said.

"I just hope he is more open minded, I think, in bringing everyone together," one parishioner said.

As midday Mass at St. Anthony's Shrine, there were prayers for the church's new leader -- a leader familiar to the faithful.

"He is a leader. He has the spirit of God in him. He is a wonderful man. I read a lot about him and his readings," another parishioner said.

"He was the logical one, but he has his work cut out -- especially with the women. They'll be after him because he'll be a conservative pope," another parishioner said. "Thank God it went quickly. I can only pray that he will do well."

The Archdiocese of Boston reacted to the selection of Ratzinger as pope. Boston's Archbishop Sean O'Malley heard the news while attending the installation of a new bishop in Vermont. He called the pope a man of extraordinary talent and dedication.

"Our Holy Father was a close collaborator with Pope John Paul II in the central administration of the Church. Pope Benedict XVI was also the Residential Bishop of the Archdiocese of Munich, a position of great pastoral responsibility, and has considerable academic credentials. All of these experiences and achievements put our Holy Father in good stead as he begins his ministry as Shepherd of the Universal Church."