Believing the Holy Spirit was in control of the decision, Lakes Region Catholics are supportive and enthusiastic about German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s installation as Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday in Rome.

Ratzinger was a close advisor to Pope John Paul II. Before becoming pope, the 78-year-old Ratzinger was a conservative cardinal who had the expectations of many that he would carry on the legacy of Pope John Paul II.

“It was a surprise because of rumors. I was expecting a pope from a different part of the map,” said Father Normand Carpentier of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windham.

When asked who was his top choice as Pope John Paul II’s successor, Father Carpentier said, “I just left it up to the Holy Spirit. I believe the choice was inspired and led by the Holy Spirit.”

Theology professor Constance Lashier of Saint Joseph’s College expressed pleasure at the choice of the College of Cardinals. “I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to pope. Cardinal Ratzinger spoke of his intentions to continue the legacy of Pope John Paul II.”

Protestant minister, Mario Maston, of Vineyard Christian Fellowship on Route 302 in Westbrook said, “I think that as someone who is not Catholic I believe the Catholic Church made a wise and cautious choice. They have achieved a level of continuity.”

Father Carpentier said, “Ratzinger gives every indication of carrying on the legacy of Pope John Paul II. He was the Pope’s right hand man for about 27 years.”

Pope John Paul II had been criticized for his conservative views and many hoped for a more progressive leader. Lashier said that both Pope John Paul II and Ratzinger were revolutionary and radical voices during the Second Vatican Council bringing the Catholic Church into the twentieth century.

“Pope John Paul II interpreted the ancient face of Christianity in the modern world,” she said.

Professor Lashier expressed displeasure at the criticism of the conservative stances of Pope John Paul II and Ratzinger saying, “The way that it has been played out in American culture and magnified by the media is problematic.”

Lashier stressed that it isn’t about what the church is against, it is what the church stands for.

“In 2,000 years of Christianity, the times when Christianity has been most authentic is the times when it has been most radically counter-cultural,” said Lashier.

“I am in favor of Ratzinger’s statement the day before his appointment as pope. He stressed the church should stand for truth and the fidelity of truth,” Pastor Maston said.

Maston went on to say that he believes Ratzinger will play a role on the international stage, traveling extensively and being influential in “salvation through Christ.”

Maston acknowledged that Pope John Paul II was a unique individual and 26 years as pope was “pretty extraordinary.” He went on to say that Ratzinger appears to be a more quiet and introverted man than John Paul II, and that he appears to be a committed follower of Christ.

“He is a brilliant theologian and philosopher,” Lashier said. “I believe he will present a deep theological presentation of why the church is consistent in its beliefs.”

Many Catholics attending Thursday morning mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church said they were pleased with the appointment. A few said that they didn’t know enough about Ratzinger to comment, but they felt, like their priest, that he was chosen by the Holy Spirit and will therefore serve in the best interests of the Catholic world.

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