Following Tuesday’s announcement of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new pope, The Daily Reveille spoke to University students and professors about their hopes and concerns about the new pontiff.
Ratzinger, who took Benedict XVI as his papal name, succeeded long-time Pope John Paul II, who died April 2 at the age of 84. Benedict, who is 78 years old, promises to reunite all Christians and reach out to people of other faiths.
Rodger Payne, an associate professor of religious studies, said he was mildly surprised by Ratzinger’s appointment.
Payne said he thought Ratzinger was too controversial a candidate to receive the necessary two-thirds majority in the conclave of cardinals, but he understands the motives behind the election of the late pope’s right-hand man, considered conservative by many on issues like homosexuality and women’s ordination.
“His election is a ‘safe’ way to be sure that the successor to this very popular pope was able to continue his legacy,” Payne said.
The conclave of cardinals appointed Ratzinger relatively quickly, but Payne said the process is not normally as slow as many people think.
“There hasn’t been an exceptionally lengthy conclave since 1958 — and certainly nothing like the conclaves that lasted for months or even years during the Middle Ages,” Payne said.
Many Roman Catholic students on campus responded to the new pope’s election with excitement.
“Personally, I’m thrilled that they made the decision, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does,” said Christa Courville, a communication disorders sophomore who attends Christ the King Catholic Church on campus.
Courville said her friends went to get ice cream after the announcement to celebrate their new pope’s appointment.
Heidi Huckabee, a communication disorders freshman, said she is “excited” about the new pope.
Huckabee said she is optimistic about the pope’s future as the leader of the Catholic Church.
“I know one of his main goals is to reunite all the Catholics,” Huckabee said. “That’s a big task, but I think he’s ready to take it on.”
Huckabee said she was surprised by the pope’s age because his predecessor was elected when he was much younger.
“But maybe he’ll know he doesn’t have forever to make changes, and he’ll put things into action,” Huckabee said.
Stephen Caruso, a Spanish senior, said he was on his way to Mass when he heard the news.
“I ran over to the Catholic Center, and when we saw him on TV, everyone cheered,” Caruso said.
Caruso said he is not sad about Pope John Paul’s death because he believes he became “a saint in heaven.”
Keri Cronan, an elementary education junior who also attends Christ the King Catholic Church, said she is anxious to see what changes Ratzinger will make.
“I’ve only had one pope since I was born,” Cronan said. “I’m nervous to see what [the new pope] will do.”
Cronan said she does not think the pope’s age will affect his ability to lead the church.
“He’s old, but he doesn’t have any health problems that we know of,” Cronan said. “I don’t think it will effect his papacy.”