Pope Benedict XVI

Thinking about today's installation of the new Papa, I am forced to consider his apparent extreme conservatism and how his personal history has impacted his theological views. Many critics want to cite his writings and theological pronouncements as evidence of his extreme positions, but I am willing to give the guy a break. He took his direction in these matters from Pope John Paul II. The new pope may or may not hold the same theological positions that he has defended for the last twenty years; however, one thing is certain: his pontificate will not be as long as JPII's.

It certainly seems that the Cardinals chose someone whom they could be sure would have a brief reign, who would essentially continue the last pope's work, who would keep the administration of the Vatican unchanged, and who would represent a strong transitional figure for the Church. It remains to be seen how many (if any) of these goals will be met during this pontificate.

Regardless of the eventual outcome, I am hopeful that the new pope will continue the policies of peace, ecumenism, and hope that Pope John Paul II began. Perhaps the youthful liberal who worked on Vatican II will emerge and offer some modicum of reformation for the priesthood, for women, for homosexuals, and for liberation.