New Pope Selected: German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

The selection of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany as the next pope was signaled by white smoke and pealing bells in the Vatican at about 11:50 a.m. ET. He needed a 2/3 majority of the 115 cardinals, and will be Pope Benedict XVI, the 265th pope.

The election of this pope can be seen as a move towards traditionalism in the Catholic church. Ratzinger, the head of the voting College of Cardinals, had wanted a traditionalist pope elected, and is himself very popular amongst conservatives.

Ratzinger's positions include strictly traditionalist views on sexuality and women in the Church, which have rallied some and alienated others within the faith. These matters, as well as some on science, are hot-button issues for this new pope.

Thanks to ShortNews reporter 'MomentOfClarity' for this story.

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