Joseph Ratzinger – Pope Benedict XVI
The white smoke came, the bells rang and the sun shone over the Sistine Chapel on Tuesday, the second day of the conclave, indicating that the decision to make Joseph Ratzinger the next Pope was a conclusive one.

Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI was born in Bavaria in 1927.

His father was a policeman and the family moved around a lot when he was young. Joseph attended St. Michaels Seminary with his brother Georg. It is believed that it was during these years studying that he found his faith and adopted views that made him a fierce traditionalist.

Ratzinger is an archconservative who has strict views on homosexuality, premarital sex and birth control and he will carry on leading the Church with the same views held by John Paul II. Ratzinger achieved the nickname “Gods Rottweiler” because of the strict way he defended his views during his time as Chief of the Vatican’s Doctrinal Watchdog office and more recently as the Dean of the College of Cardinals. When John Paul II reigned, Ratzinger practically ran the Church. He was close to the Pontiff and was considered his right hand man making him ultimately the favourite to succeed as Pope. The German cardinal was considered papabile especially when movements like the powerful Opus Dei and Communion and Liberation, two organisations set up to defend the conservative views regarding family life of John Paul II, seemed to support him.

The fact the cardinals picked Ratzinger for Pope indicates that they want continuity in what they see as the “safe hands” of Ratzinger. While many Catholic Liberals will be disappointed by the decision to make Ratzinger Pope, there is no doubt that many others will be looking forward to seeing how Ratzinger plans to follow on from John Paul II. He has already promised to travel to different countries and has even showed he’s willing to listen having set up a personal e-mail address that people can contact him on – benedictxvi@vatican.va!

Benedict XVI could prove to be a worldly, compassionate, charismatic and great Pope just like his predecessor John Paul II.

Paddy Power Betting History:
When Paddy Power first opened a book on the next Pope, Joseph Ratzinger’s odds were generous at 12/1. Many people thought that a younger cardinal, perhaps from Italy or Latin America would have been elected to the highest seat. However over the last year it became apparent that Ratzinger was one of the favourites for the job. Not only was he respected and supported by his fellow cardinals, he always spoke highly of John Paul II and made it clear that his conservative views should be maintained by the new Pope. Ratzinger, who is considered to be an affable and wise man could be the very Pope who’ll ensure that the Church sticks by the strict conservative views he believes in. It could be a long time before we see the Church move in a more Liberal direction. Ratzinger’s odds gradually reduced to 3/1 favourite before closing at 11/2 with stiff competition from other cardinals like Francis Arinze of Nigeria and Martini of Italy, amongst many more.

It’s all in the Name! - Why he chose Benedict?
According to the prophecy of St. Benedict the next Pope was to be Glory of the Olives and come from their ranks so if you believe in the Prophets it makes perfect sense that this new Pope should choose that name. There has also been many other Benedict’s in the past although it isn’t a modern papal name.

Choosing the name Benedict could be a sign of peace, stability and continuity. Ratzinger may see himself as a peacemaker after Benedict XV who remained neutral throughout his reign during the First World War and brought peace amongst the people. John Paul II must have considered Ratzinger a future Pope when he asked him to stay for five more years when Ratzinger suggested resigning.