Your reaction: Pope Benedict XVI

MSNBC readers react to the naming of German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI: (We are no longer taking submissions for this topic. Thank you for your thousands of responses.)

Love everyone regardless of religion
I have read something about the new pope in our local newspaper which is really not good. I am a Muslim, so the news hurts me -- from that news I have learned that the new pope is very conservative. Some years ago he said that "Turkey should not be included in the Europe, as it is a Muslim country." I think the new pope should not be like this. He should mainly look toward peace without thinking the nationality or religion, as he is the leader of the Catholic Church. I do not mean that he is the wrong guy to be a pope, but he should improve his way of thinking. He should think about not only about all the Christian people of the world but also every little human of the world as much as he can. He should try to make peace through all people of the world regardless their religion. That's all I expect from him.
--Pushpita Siddika, Dhaka, Bangladesh

A clear message
Those who think a 2,000 year old religion should change to fit their lifestyle or whim should think again.  It is a religion, not a political party.  It would be better for the Catholic Church to lose 90% of its members than to compromise its teachings.  The almost unprecedented rapid selection of Pope Benedict XVI is a welcome clear message from the Vatican that they will not compromise.  Pope Benedict XVI will not be popular with some, but we want a leader not a Homecoming King.
--R. Backous, Minneapolis

The wrong man
In this time of Religious Zealots terrorizing the rest of the world the last thing we need is a Catholic Church joining the party! I'm a Catholic but this is the wrong man for the Papacy. More friction, More hard-line beliefs, More confrontation, More unreasoned beliefs and a steadfast denial of reality is what this selection represents. 
--Sam Brey, Tampa Fla.

Trust in the Holy Spirit
We have been blessed with the gift of Pope Benedict XVI. I did not come to that belief easily, but I do believe it. Like so many other American Catholics crowding around my TV on the day of the announcement of the new Pope, my heart sank as I heard the word "Ratzinger". I thought to myself, "What were those guys thinking?" I was angry. I decided the Church (and indeed the world) would benefit so much more from a third world Pope, a Pope who was a little younger, or a Pope who held more charismatic appeal with the people. I have only ever lived under one Pope, and honestly, I wanted another Pope I could watch skiing down a mountain.

Then, I began to realize that I am one small Catholic in a very large church. I must trust that the Conclave has a clearer understanding of where the church stands, where it has come from, and where it is going than I do. Since then, I have opened my heart to Pope Benedict the XVI, and I have been richly rewarded.

We have a Pope who is strong, steadfast, and intelligent. From what we hear from others who know him, he is also witty, funny, tremendously kind, and sincerely humble. Clearly, the Conclave felt Ratzinger was the man for the job. We are called to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, as the Conclave did, and trust in their decision. God is the one who knows the future, not us, and the Conclave felt that God was calling Cardinal Ratzinger to be Pope.

What more confirmation do we need? At the time Pope John Paul II was elected, I don't know if anyone could have foreseen the far-reaching effects and blessings that were bestowed upon the world with his election. Why not give both God and Pope Benedict XVI the benefit of the doubt, and assume that God is capable of working through this man toward whatever vision God holds for us? Benedict XVI is seeking peace. He chose a name shared by the man who fought so passionately for peace during WWI. I, for one, share that vision, and I am thankful for our new Pope.
--Megan Curran, Golden, Colo.

Different pope needed for different world
As an American of German origin I am glad that a German, non-Italian pope was chosen. But my pride stops there. Although I am sure that Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict) has given a lifetime of dedicated service to the church and many years of counsel to Pope John Paul, I do not believe that his ideals are in the best interest for the modern Church. I say 'modern' because as much as some would like to speak of 'returning to the old ways' and 'family values being Church/Christian values' it is impossible to ignore that we are living in different more modern times. Pope John Paul was heard and seen by more people than any Pope preceding him and, therefore, he was a bigger influence on the world than any Pope in the past century. The world is more all-encompassing. There are better lines of communication. This should bring about more interaction between cultures and ideas. This should bring about more understanding between people, regardless of faith, sex, or religion. The Catholic Church should not, and never will, lose it's own identity but it should understand that if there is a God and he has a purpose for everyone on this planet, then it is not any man's right to place judgment, labels, or criticism. The ecumenical counsel said it best that "in one’s own conscience one can find salvation."
--Suzanne Vogt, Philadelphia, Pa.

Choose to be Catholic
I am thankful that such a strong individual has been chosen to lead our church. I was raised a Catholic and continue to believe the church's teachings. I look to the church to provide an anchor for my faith. Am I perfect in my followings? Of course not, I'm a human being. However, it's comforting to have something to aspire to.

I am also thankful that I live in a country where I am free to choose this belief. No one is forcing me -- or anyone else -- to be Catholic. If I were to find that my beliefs were to change, then I have the CHOICE to align myself with another group who has similar views.

I wish others would realize that your religion is your set of beliefs - NOT simply the building where you spend an hour on the weekend and drop a few coins into the plate. If you do not share the same views as the Catholic church, please exercise your right to CHOOSE, and find a different group with which to affiliate yourself.
--Geoff Zimmerman, Manchester, N.H.

Liberal Catholic? No such thing
I'm dumbfounded at any feelings of disappointment about the new pontiff.  The so-called 'liberal' Catholics are not really catholic, and that's that.  They don't like what Catholicism stands for and speak out against the choice to make Cardinal Ratzinger the new pontiff, simply because he supports and will not waiver from the principles in the Catholic Church?  These people need to ask themselves why they continue to call themselves Catholics.  Liberal Catholic?  No such thing.  Long live Benedict XVI.
--Siobhan Steinsiek, York, Maine

Look out for the people, not the church
It's unfortunate that the Church is taking a step backwards rather than forward. Pope Benedict’s ways will be hard felt throughout the world. Whatever happened to "what is good for the people" rather than "what is good for the church!"
As a catholic, I am pro-choice, I support stem-cell research, and I support the homosexual community. Why should I judge these folks for what they want to do. Sometimes I just don't understand my religion. Doesn't the bible say, "judge ye not least ye be judged."
--Herb H. Calderon, Apple Valley, Calif.

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