So we have a new pope now, neat. Here’s some info from the Vatican website peppered with commentary.

Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Born on 16 April 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Germany. So, he just celebrated his 78th and three days later he’s elected pope. Son of a police officer, he grew up in Traunstein and was called into the auxillary anti-aircraft service in the last months of WWII. According to the US Airforce website, the Fifteenth AF (composed of 80 B-17’s and B-24’s) bombed Traunstein on November 15, ‘44, so it’s probably American planes Pope Benedict was gunning, but then again they were dropping bombs on him. Besides, there hasn’t been a good warrior pope since Julius II, and we already have a warrior president. He studied philosophy and theology (hey, like me!) at the University of Munich and at the higher school in Freising. Ordained priest in 1951, he got a doctorate in theology in 1953 with a thesis called "The People and House of God in St. Augustine’s doctrine of the Church". 1959-69 he taught dogma and fundamental theology in a couple German universities. 69- he was the Vice President and professor of dogmatic theology and of the history of dogma at the University of Regensburg. At age 35 he became a consultor at Vatican Council II. At 49, Paul VI made him Archbishop of Munich and Freising. A few months later, Paul VI made him Cardinal. After various honors, he was elected Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals, 6 November 1998, and Dean on 30 November 2002, and Pope on 19 April 2005. Here’s what he had to say:

Urbi et Orbi Blessing (for the city and for the world)

Dear brothers and sisters, after our great Pope, John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God’s vineyard. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help. And Mary, his most beloved Mother, stands on our side. Thank you.