[fatnotlazy]

My take: John Paul II was a tough act to follow. He was firm in his beliefs and a steadfast anti-communist, but he was warm and personable. Benedict was also conservative and steadfast, but he didn't seem to have the same warm personality. That's not a slam. Obviously, everyone, including popes, are going to have different personalities. Benedict just wasn't going to live up to John Paul and it hurt him in his efforts to govern the Church.

[conservative cat]

I think this take is right on. Benedict was excellent but didn’t make people feel warm and fuzzy.