Habeum Papam
It was 9.34 pm Indian Standard Time when white curls of smoke came out from the chimney over the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. I was suddenly overcome with curiosity over the identity of the new Pope. As I’m a Hindu, I’ve no concern over the new head of the Roman Catholics of the World. But the ceremony of electing a Pope, as I understood it, was one of the most ancient and mysterious ceremonies still practiced in this modern world of electronic voting and all. This motivated me to spend further time in front of the television, watching the BBC Channel.
I’ve to admit that I was most depressed and grieved by the fact that no other religion has a head as powerful as the Pope. He is truly the “most influential man” in the whole World. The bells of St. Peter’s Cathedral ringing, announcing to the World that the Cardinals who have been in their secret Conclave have elected a new Pope was truly a sight to see.
Then after about 45 minutes of dramatic waiting and suspense, talks and speculations, the Chile's Cardinal Medina Estivez made the much awaited announcement: "Habeum papam. [We have a Pope.]" He then revealed the new spiritual leader's name and the name he has adopted for his papacy. Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope. He has chosen the name “Benedict the 16th” for his Papacy.
As the people cheered “Viva il Papa” the 78 year old Joseph Ratzinger, 265th heir to the throne of St. Peter appeared in the balcony on the second floor of the St. Peter’s Cathedral and made the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (for the city and the World) message.
"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord." The people assembled at the St. Peter’s square cheered and waved in support to the new Pope.
"The cardinals have obviously opted for continuity rather than change. This may be seen as a papacy of transition," the Vatican specialist, Luigi Accatoli, said. "The new Pope is 78 years old. At most his papacy is expected to last ten years and there might have been a feeling amongst the voting cardinals that the Church was not ready for someone who would change tack and take the church in a new direction. This election is a clear message that Pope John Paul II's legacy is being nurtured and carried forward."
About the Pope:
The new Pope is known for his uncompromising views on church doctrine and his election will come as a disappointment to those who have been placing the accent on greater devolution of authority and collegiality within the church. Cardinal Ratzinger, considered a great theologian who is greatly respected for his learning, intelligence and integrity, may not find favor amongst those hoping for reform and decentralization within the Church.
He has in fact, as part of the Roman Curia, been responsible for some of the most hard-line doctrinal positions the church has taken on subjects as diverse as contraception, celibacy, the marriage of priests, euthanasia, abortion and other thorny issues that have tended to divide the church.
He has rejected the ordination of women and marriage for priests, and also opposes homosexuality and communism, and he has never been afraid of upsetting political sensibilities.
The life of Joseph Ratzinger, a timeline:
Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 16th 1927 in Southern Bavaria, Germany into a conservative German family. His father, Joseph hated the Nazis.
1941: Joined the Hitler Youth Movement, but was a passive worker
1943: Went to Hungary for Military service, but never loaded a gun
1945: Joined the Christian Mission
1951: On June 29th, he was made a Reverend
1971: Started the work on “Communio”
1985: Was made the Prefect of the Doctrine of Faith
2002: Was appointed the Dean of Cardinals
2005: Was made the 265th Pope
Joseph Ratzinger is one among the 14 of Cardinals who have bestowed that role by the Pope John the 6th.
And lets all chant together “Viva il Papa”
Sources: BBC World News, Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi
I’ve to admit that I was most depressed and grieved by the fact that no other religion has a head as powerful as the Pope. He is truly the “most influential man” in the whole World. The bells of St. Peter’s Cathedral ringing, announcing to the World that the Cardinals who have been in their secret Conclave have elected a new Pope was truly a sight to see.
Then after about 45 minutes of dramatic waiting and suspense, talks and speculations, the Chile's Cardinal Medina Estivez made the much awaited announcement: "Habeum papam. [We have a Pope.]" He then revealed the new spiritual leader's name and the name he has adopted for his papacy. Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Pope. He has chosen the name “Benedict the 16th” for his Papacy.
As the people cheered “Viva il Papa” the 78 year old Joseph Ratzinger, 265th heir to the throne of St. Peter appeared in the balcony on the second floor of the St. Peter’s Cathedral and made the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (for the city and the World) message.
"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord." The people assembled at the St. Peter’s square cheered and waved in support to the new Pope.
"The cardinals have obviously opted for continuity rather than change. This may be seen as a papacy of transition," the Vatican specialist, Luigi Accatoli, said. "The new Pope is 78 years old. At most his papacy is expected to last ten years and there might have been a feeling amongst the voting cardinals that the Church was not ready for someone who would change tack and take the church in a new direction. This election is a clear message that Pope John Paul II's legacy is being nurtured and carried forward."
About the Pope:
The new Pope is known for his uncompromising views on church doctrine and his election will come as a disappointment to those who have been placing the accent on greater devolution of authority and collegiality within the church. Cardinal Ratzinger, considered a great theologian who is greatly respected for his learning, intelligence and integrity, may not find favor amongst those hoping for reform and decentralization within the Church.
He has in fact, as part of the Roman Curia, been responsible for some of the most hard-line doctrinal positions the church has taken on subjects as diverse as contraception, celibacy, the marriage of priests, euthanasia, abortion and other thorny issues that have tended to divide the church.
He has rejected the ordination of women and marriage for priests, and also opposes homosexuality and communism, and he has never been afraid of upsetting political sensibilities.
The life of Joseph Ratzinger, a timeline:
Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 16th 1927 in Southern Bavaria, Germany into a conservative German family. His father, Joseph hated the Nazis.
1941: Joined the Hitler Youth Movement, but was a passive worker
1943: Went to Hungary for Military service, but never loaded a gun
1945: Joined the Christian Mission
1951: On June 29th, he was made a Reverend
1971: Started the work on “Communio”
1985: Was made the Prefect of the Doctrine of Faith
2002: Was appointed the Dean of Cardinals
2005: Was made the 265th Pope
Joseph Ratzinger is one among the 14 of Cardinals who have bestowed that role by the Pope John the 6th.
And lets all chant together “Viva il Papa”
Sources: BBC World News, Malayala Manorama, Mathrubhumi
posted by Rahul at
3:07 AM
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