Habemus Papam!

We have a pope!

A short time ago, with those words, Rome and the world was introduced to Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as His Holiness Benedict XVI. I was praying for his election and I rejoice in the choice. Thank you Lord.

Ratzinger is brilliant, prayerful and doctrinally sound in a world which is morally corrupt and educated far beyond its intelligence. Having just turned 78 we may not expect a long papacy, but he is about the same age as was Good Pope John XXIII when he was elected pope. John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council and had an enormous impact on the Church.

His Holiness Benedict XVI was a trusted confidant to John Paul II and from accounts I have read, is a wonderfully warm man.

The "progressives" within the Church will have begun to cover themselves in sackcloth and ashes as I write. If you listen closely you can hear them wailing and weeping and gnashing their teeth. (It's enough to warm the heart of any true Irishman)

More later when I have time.