[k omalley]

We know what will happen if Ratzinger is elected pope. The liberal media will be all over his brief involvement with the Hitler youth. I can hear the stories now on TV and know exactly what the editorials will say in my hometown liberal socialist rag. I really don't care what they have to say. I think that he would be an excellent pope. He is probably exactly what we need right now. Mahony, however, whom I have no love for, made an astute observation that no cardinal from a country where no one goes to church would be elected pope.

I also think Arinze would also be a fine choice. Church growth is exploding in Africa. Africa is also in danger of its population dying out. Arinze as pope would draw attention to the problems in Africa. He seems to be orthodox as well.

[B Knotts]

I like Cardinal Arinze, but I'm not sure about his capacity to be a disciplinarian, which is what is needed now.

[AlbionGirl]

Mahony, however, whom I have no love for, made an astute observation that no cardinal from a country where no one goes to church would be elected pope.

I guess that's a double edged sword, isn't it? It may eliminate Ratzinger, but it also eliminates Kasper, which in my mind would be a good thing.

I'm torn about how to view the whole process. Is it not political at all? That's hard for me to believe. Does the Holy Spirit do His work despite the politics? Of course, he can do anything he wants. But does He intervene with free will on such a massive scale? That's what I'm not sure of.

[ArrogantBustard]

We know what will happen if Ratzinger is elected pope. The liberal media will be all over his brief involvement with the Hitler youth

Not just the liberal media: all the anti-Catholics on FR will join the chorus.

[Mr. Jeeves]

We know what will happen if Ratzinger is elected pope. The liberal media will be all over his brief involvement with the Hitler youth.

I can see the New York Post headline now: NAZI POPE IGNORES HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS... ;)

Ratzinger seems like a good man...and that alone should cost him the office.