In one of the swiftest conclusions to a conclave in a century, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a German theologian, has been elected pope to succeed the late John Paul II, who pursued pacifism, human rights protection and inter-religious dialogue. The hope for Pope Benedict XVI -- the name is said to suggest peace and reconciliation -- is that he continues these policies in performing his new role not only as the spiritual leader of the 1.1-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, but also as a guiding voice in global affairs.
Continuity is a likely prospect because the new pope was one of John Paul's closest aides. Known as a staunch conservative, Benedict defended Catholic orthodoxy for many years as prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. However, his record as the Vatican's doctrinal chief must worry liberal Catholics who want to deal more flexibly with the secular world.
The swift conclusion of the conclave -- which, unlike protracted sessions of the past, reportedly lasted 24 hours with only four rounds of voting -- indicates that the Vatican remains united after the death of John Paul, who ruled the church for 26 years. Given his advanced age of 78, though, it appears that the role for the new pope may be a transitional one.