Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany Elected 256th Pope, Pope Benedict XVI, After IV or V Ballots

At 6:04 Pm white smoke appeared from the Sistene Chapel. Soon the world would know that the 256th Pope would be George Cardinal Ratzinger who took the name Pope Benedict the XVI, the first German speaking Pope in 948 years.

A close friend of Pope John Paul II, Benedict XVI is not likely to be less conservative, but is also considered to be brilliant and a scholar, and at age 78, a good transitional Pope, because it would be difficult for any pontiff to match up to the record of Pope John Paul II and his legacy.

The Vatican Website includes information on the Holy Father, including a Biography of Pope Benedict the XVI.



The Text of the Pope's First Traditional Blessing, The Urbi et Orbi, or "For the City (Rome, as most know, the Pope is the Bishop of Rome) and For the World" follows below.

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Urbi et Orbi Blessing

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.


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Details of his ring and staff or crozier will follow.Upon election thinks move quickly, the Vatican website already shows the Papal seal.


For more Information try this Google News Search which should bring up everything you would want to know and more.



Peace,



Peter

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