~ Hes older than I would have thought a new pope would be. Not someone I was hoping for, but oh well. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 78, has been chosen to succeed John Paul II as Pope. He will be known as Benedict XVI. Cardinal Ratzinger was born into a traditional Bavarian farming family in 1927, although his father was a policeman. His studies at the seminary were interrupted during the war when he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit in Munich. His supporters say his experiences under the Nazi regime convinced him that the church had to stand up for truth and freedom. But his critics say he stands for suppressing discussion within the church. Wolfgang Cooper, a commentator on religious affairs in Germany, said before his election that the cardinal could become a divisive figure. "I think if Cardinal Ratzinger was pope, a large distance could grow between the leadership of the Church and the faith," he predicted before the result was known. The cardinal is a "scientist" who "prefers intellectual discussions", says Mr Cooper, whereas many Catholics want priests and bishops "who will touch the hearts". Cardinal Ratzinger has been a head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - the Vatican's guardian of orthodoxy since 1981. As such, he has also taken some uncompromising political positions, calling for pro-abortion politicians to be denied communion during the US election campaign for instance, or arguing that Turkey should not be admitted into the European Union. As the 265th successor to St Peter, he is expected to give the Church a clear, if sometimes radical voice. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4445279.stm
He's a fucking Nazi. What the fuck. Dont say to me "but he was against the whole thing"... and that is what his supporters said.
that's a pretty harsh thing to say. i'm assuming you were joking. all boys born in germany at that time were forced to participate. considerate it a part of the schooling. on another note, has anyone heard the Nostradomus prophecies regarding the assasination of this pope? he says after the assasination the church will be divided and there will be 2 popes and an invasion in the west by muslims. i'll find the link to the story i read.