Good luck to the Church

[Book Lover]

and to all my Catholic friends here on DU, and worldwide. Setting aside everything I know and feel about the former Cardinal Ratzinger, I truly hope that Benedict XVI will be inspired by his high calling, and act with wisdom and prudence.

[scarlet_owl]

1. Thank you. I am hopeful and willing to give him a chance.

To me, it's not worth leaving the Church over. Ratzinger was definately not my first choice, but he deserves our prayers and respect as our new Holy Father.

[DemBones DemBones]

2. Thanks, and I agree with you and scarlet owl.

After all, what we "know" about Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger is based on the usual unreliable sources, and on the fact that he held a job that would make Jesus Christ unpopular. As I keep pointing out here, this is the man that John Paul II wanted to succeed him. I'll pray for him and give him a chance. I have faith in him being a good administrator and he may develop a charisma of his own. His brief speech was appropriate, his Italian is good, and he seemed both scared and happy, which all seemed good to me.

[UrbScotty]

3. Amen.

Thank you.