New Pope

CNN:

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany has been selected by the Roman Catholic church as the new pope. Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez of Chile made the announcement to a cheering crowd in St. Peter's Square. Ratzinger, who took the name Benedict XVI, appeared on the balcony of the Vatican Basilica to greet the people and deliver his first papal blessing.

My impression is that Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI will pretty much stay in line with John Paul II's views of things. This is probably a wise decision for the Church. John Paul II left some impossibly big shoes to fill. A solid, stable leader who won't surprise anyone is probably best. Next time they can try for a more dynamic leader if they wish, who won't have the shadow of John Paul II so heavily upon him.