Europeøs press balk at new Pope

IN Media Practice | 22/04/2005

Indo-Asian News Service

Brussels, April 21 (IANS) While most of Europe`s political and spiritual leaders welcomed the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the next Pope, most of the continent`s newspapers have reacted with unconcealed dismay at the choice of the hard-line German theologian as the Vatican`s new head, reports UPI.

Many op-ed pieces referred to Benedict XVI as a reactionary dogmatist who would do little to stem the slump in support for the Catholic Church in Europe and even less to help the plight of the poor in Africa and Latin America.

"His is a name that will clamp the cold hand of foreboding round the hearts of all who care about the developing world," said a leader in Britain`s left-of-centre Guardian newspaper, describing the Bavarian as a "theological pugilist who is willing to sacrifice popular appeal in the cause of doctrinal purity."

John Paul II`s right-hand man already has a serious image problem in Europe after 24 years as head of the Doctrine of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - a position he used to denounce contraception, gay marriage, women priests, homosexuality, abortion, Marxism, modernity, radical pastors and other religious faiths.

La Derniere Heure and several other Belgian papers referred to Benedict XVI as "The Iron Pope" on their front pages, while most European dailies recalled Ratzinger`s reputation as the "Panzerkardinal," the "Great Inquisitor" and "God`s Rottweiler." Under the headline "A transitional Pope" - the former Dean of the College of Cardinals is 78 - Belgian`s leading daily Le Soir shrugged: "Well, fear and tradition won out." "A Ratzinger papacy will look not forward, but back," writes Paul Vallely in Britain`s Independent newspaper.

The leftist Liberation newspaper is uncompromising in its condemnation of John Paul II`s successor. Under the headline "Intransigence," its editorial asks: "Which other institution would have dared show such assurance in its unshakeable dogmas, such confidence in its refusal to change and such indifference to the outside world?"

Not all European papers are, however, sullen about the cardinals` choice. After running through its usual list of humorous captions - "Papa-Ratzi," "Puff Daddy" and "Papa do Preach" - Britain`s best-selling tabloid The Sun opined: "We applaud a man who recognises that values are non-negotiable. But is he the bold new man the Catholic Church needs to tackle the problems of the 21st century?"

"Yes," came the perhaps predictable reply form German papers. "The fact that Ratzinger is from Germany was in the end not an argument against him but for him," says the high-brow Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The mass-market Bild paper also highlights the new pope`s nationality. "What an honour," it proclaims, describing the jubilation in Rome, Germany and across the world.

An opinion poll for Der Spiegel newsweekly - which showed opponents of Ratzinger becoming pope outnumbering supporters by 36 percent to 29 percent - appears to suggest not all the new pope`s compatriots are thrilled by his election. But Die Welt ripostes: "There couldn`t have been a greater honour for Christians in Germany."

Sweden`s Expressen daily says Benedict XVI "certainly won`t become a liberal who will be to the taste of secularised Europe."

The new leader of the world`s 1.1 billion Catholics will have to try and meet this challenge in his twilight years, as head of a divided church, on a continent wedded to secular values and facing constant comparisons with his predecessor.