I'm baaaack!

This will have to be short because I should be practicing the Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso right now...

Habemus Papam

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI

It was interesting that I tuned in just as smoke started to appear from the roof of the sistine Chapel. It was almost undeniably white, growing lighter as the announcers impatiently waited for the promised ringing of the bells. The waiting period coincided with the 6 pm bell, which also confused many faithful in the Piazza de San Pietro. When the bells started ringing, the crowd roared, and continued to cheer until the Chilean Cardinal came out to announce Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.

From his blessing of the crowd, the city, and the watchful world (transcripted/translated by NY Times):

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.

I will not criticize him for his thoroughly conservative stances. He is a genuine, brilliant religious scholar and theologian, and that is all anyone can ask from him- to lead his people according to his wisdom and the teachings of God.

Who wants to bet that Dubya would use this pro-life papacy for political benefit? That little theologian-wannabe rascal in the White House...