Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI was chosen as the 265th pope and, according to one student Catholic leader who met the new pope, there was no better candidate for the papacy.
Newman Catholic Student Association President David Sao said he met Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, when he spoke to the Prince of Liechtenstein Catholic Student Leaders Fellowship in Italy last June.
Sao said Ratzinger focused on the issue of bringing youth back to the Catholic Church.
"He is a very friendly and loving guy. There is something about him; you can just feel his spirituality," Sao said. "I think he will continue Pope John Paul II's legacy and the youth will be a big part of his papacy."
Another important issue for Pope Benedict XVI will be to carry on correct Catholic teachings similar to the tradition followed by Pope John Paul II, Sao added.
There has not been a pope from Germany for about 1,000 years, but Ratzinger has been in Italy and was very close to Pope John Paul II, Sao said. "The Church is ready for him and they know the Holy Spirit picked him for a reason," he said.
Pope Benedict XVI is a solid choice for the papacy if the world is looking for continuity, said the Rev. John-Mary Tompkins of Queen of the World Parish, 531 W. Fairmount Ave.
"We can just pray for him and give him some opportunities to be his own man with his own spirit," Tompkins said.
Since Pope Benedict XVI is from Germany it could eventually lead to some type of revival of Catholicism in Europe, Tompkins said.
Jared Fox (senior-recreation, park and tourism management) said he hopes Pope Benedict XVI is not as traditional as Pope John Paul II due to a change in times and attitudes.
"However, there are some issues, such as the Church's thought on homosexuality, where Pope Benedict XVI should stay traditional and true to the Bible," Fox added.
The Rev. Matthew Laffey of the Penn State Campus Catholic Ministry said he has read Pope Benedict XVI's books and recognized him as a brilliant theologian. "I think he will bring his unique gifts and presence to the Church even though it is particularly difficult to follow such a great figure," Laffey said.
Laffey said he did not expect Ratzinger to be elected because he was considered a likely candidate by the media, and usually the favorite is not chosen.
The new pope was chosen quickly and Sao said he believes the Holy Spirit knew who was meant to lead the Church.
Tompkins said Ratzinger was not a surprise choice because of his close relationship with Pope John Paul II and position as dean of the College of Cardinals.
However, the choice of a 78-year-old pope came as a surprise, Sao said. "He's a healthy man and there are no problems, but I thought they would want to choose a younger cardinal," Sao added.
Tompkins said Pope Benedict XVI's age should not be a problem for his papacy. "Pope Benedict XVI is in good physical health and is solid spiritually and mentally," Tompkins said.
Benjamin Vivio (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said Pope Benedict XVI needs to concentrate on reaching out to other faiths as well as focusing on the future rather than traditions of the past. "Some issues such as AIDS should be addressed with concern to the welfare of future generations," he said.
