The world reacts to Pope Benedict XVI.Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity origins are associated with the Second Vatican Council.Pope John XXIII wanted the Catholic Church to engage in the contemporary ecumenical movement. : "There are a lot of prejudices about him, and most of these prejudices are unfair. And I think you should leave these prejudices now and give him at least a chance.... I think he will be a pope of reconciliation and peace." (CNN.com, April 19, 2005) Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop of Westminster The Archbishop of Westminster heads the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Westminster, in England. The incumbent is the Metropolitan of the Province of Westminster and, as a matter of custom, is elected President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, and therefore , England: "When he was head of the Doctrine of the Faith, he had a particular task to do.... Now that he is pope, it is an entirely different concept altogether. Now he is Peter for the whole church." (The New York Times, April 21, 2005) Dr. Rowan Williams, Anglican archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the main leader of the Church of England and by convention is also recognised as head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The current archbishop is Rowan Williams. : "I look forward to meeting [Pope Benedict] and working together to build on the legacy of his predecessor." (Church of England Church of England: see England, Church of. Newspaper, April 21, 2005) Father Hans Kung, Swiss theologian: "The Petrine ministry in the Catholic Church today is such a challenge that it can change any person. One who enters the conclave conclave In the Roman Catholic church, the assembly of cardinals gathered to elect a new pope and the system of strict seclusion to which they submit. From 1059 the election became the responsibility of the cardinals. as a conservative cardinal can emerge from it as a progressive pope.... The name Benedict leaves open the possibility that he will chart a moderate course." (Associated Press, April 19, 2005) Rev. John H. Thomas, United Church of Christ United Church of Christ, American Protestant denomination formed in 1957 by a merger of the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches (see Congregationalism) and the Evangelical and Reformed Church. general minister: "I acknowledge that I personally greet Cardinal Ratzinger's selection with profound disappointment. [His] long tenure in the Vatican has been marked by a theological tone that is rigid, conservative, and confrontational." (United Church News, April 19, 2005) Linda Pieczynski, national spokesperson for the church reform group Call to Action: "Pope Benedict XVI  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. is not just the leader of those who agree with him; to be the leader of all of us, a pope must bring all voices to the table, for that is precisely where the Spirit can be most effective. We believe that he must respect and welcome all Catholics, no matter their agendas, and exhibit the marks of a true servant leader." (press release, April 19, 2005) William Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights: "Orthodox Catholics have cause for great celebration. Those who are not delighted need to do some real soul searching." (press release, April 19, 2005) |
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