Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger becomes Pope Benedict XVI
• Catholic , • Homophobia
He was clad in a ready-to-wear set of robes prepared earlier by the papal tailors, and they seemed to fit quite well.
Don't know about the power of the nun's prayers but maybe she could lead aerobics classes.What did she think there'd never be another pope?
Sister Lydia, a nun, jumped up and down on a chair clapping in uncontrolled excitement. "I prayed for a new pope today at the tomb of the Holy Father (the late John Paul II) and now we have one," she beamed.
No one who has followed Joe the Rat would expect anything other than:
Nonetheless, Myers said American Catholics looking for a liberalization of the church's teachings on issues including married clergy, ordination of women, and gay marriage will be disappointed.
NJ Catholics cheer selection of new pope, question conservatism
But as conservative arch-theologian during the last papacy, Ratzinger became a controversial figure, attracting his critics. In 2000, he branded other Christian churches as deficient and then lambasted Lutherans as "absurd" when they complained.
Leaders hail new Pope, reformists disappointed
The managing director head of Germany's national Kirche von Unten (Church from Below) group, Bernd Göhring, was less charitable. "We consider Ratzinger's election a catastrophe. I think that the current church's course is only confirmed by this college of cardinals," he said, adding that he didn't expect any reforms under Pope Benedict XVI. "I think that even more people will turn their backs on the church."
German Reception of New Pope Mixed
Back in Marktl where he was born:
"I think it's great that Ratzinger became Pope. My dad will light fireworks tonight," said one girl.
New German Pope Elicits Joy and Alarm at Home
Shortly before the cardinals began their conclave just yesterday, Cardinal Ratzinger gave a speech condemning "a dictatorship of relativism." Harak said today: "I am puzzled by this statement. First, it seems to be a logical contradiction: How can relativism be dictatorial? But then I'm compelled to ask, 'What do you mean by "relativism?"' The Catholic hierarchy seems to take certain values -- like the injunction against abortion -- very seriously. But other values they seem to be quite relativistic about. As for example when Jesus says, 'Love your enemies.'
The New Pope and "Dictatorship of Relativism"
A short summary of Pope Benedict XVI's theology:
But it is in his enforcement of Church doctrine that he has made so many enemies around the world. He said it was "an enormous mistake" to allow Turkey to join the European Union, has described rock music as a "vehicle of anti-religion" and believes cloning is a more serious threat to humanity than weapons of mass destruction. He believes the ban on women priests is necessary to safeguard doctrine, is against multiculturalism and believes that the Church of England is not a proper church. Other religions he regards as deficient and homosexuality in his view is an "intrinsic moral evil"
Pope Benedict XVI's homophobia:
In fact, during the reign of John Paul II, Cardinal Ratzinger was the driving force behind a long string of pronouncements using the term ‘evil’ to describe gay people, homosexuality, and marriage equality. As a long-time Catholic from a staunchly Catholic family, I know that the history of the church is full of shameful, centuries-long chapters involving vilification, persecution, and violence against others. Someday, the church will apologize to gay people as it has to others it has oppressed in the past. I very much doubt that this day will come during this Pope’s reign. In fact, it seems inevitable that this Pope will cause even more pain and give his successors even more for which to seek atonement.
New Pope has shown "venomous hatred" for gays
A woman in Wyoming, on of America's most backward states shouts her support of Pope Benedict XVI:
When asked about whether she supports the arguments by some that women should be allowed to become priests, she replied, "No way!"
"I don't believe ... in women being priests and the women's lib thing," Shirk said.
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