Germany's Pope - Word on the Street
When the news broke (Ratzinger elected new Pope) I was sitting in my apartment community kitchen with a German friend."What do you think" I inquired.
"Oh, Scheisse!" *buries head in hands*
Although Pope Benedict XVI was born in Bavaria, my current state of residence, was a professor of religion at my university in Regensburg, and has met some of my German friends, his new position of power has been met with a wary eye on his home turf.
Despite its history (and plethora of churches), Germany is less religious than America. Churches are significantly under capacity every Sunday and spiritually liberal leanings are the norm. Contrast this with former Cardinal Ratzinger, conservative watchdog of the Faith. Not only are German's worried about global regression in positive (aka. liberal) Church reforms, they are particularly concerned that the Eye of the Vatican will refocus on the birth-land of its new master, bringing a wave of social meddling with.
Or so I'm told. I've only attempted to summarize the attitudes of those Germans with whom I've had a chance to speak. We can only wait and see how things really transpire...
posted by Jason @ 9:44 pm
2 Comments:
Follow-up:
Looks like his home town has embraced this event whole-heartedly, with consumerism leading the charge: Now you can buy Pope clothing, Pope books, and even Pope bread.
Some Germans hope this will lead to increased international influence for Germany.
Many Germans think someone from Latin America or the developing world should have recieved the vote in order to keep the Church relevant and grounded with the bulk of its faithful.
Keep in mind that the new Pope is probably consider a "care-taker" Pope. At age 78 I believe he was the oldest Cardinal eligible to be elected Pope.
Its possible that he will only be Pope for 4 - 8 years, then a new Pope will take over.
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