Posted on 04/21/2005 7:55:14 AM PDT by Loyalist
Pope Benedict XVI was elected by an overwhelming majority of his fellow cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, possibly rallying an impressive 100 out of 115 votes, Italy's La Repubblica has reported.
The exact number of votes in favour of Joseph Ratzinger will likely never be known, as records of the four ballots of this week's conclave have been sealed and can only be opened upon order of the pontiff himself.
But citing Vatican sources, La Repubblica said the German-born Pope won the support of far more cardinals than the strict two-thirds majority needed to be elected.
Pope Benedict was a favourite from the very first round of voting, the daily's respected Vatican expert Marco Politi reported, adding that the number of his supporters increased at each round.
"It was easy to elect him," the newspaper quoted Mexican Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan as saying.
In the fourth round Tuesday afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI may have garnered up 100 votes, one vote more than those garnered by his predecessor John Paul II in 1978, La Repubblica said.
In the first ballot, he got some 40 votes with the same number of ballots going to Italy's Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, it said.
But by Tuesday morning, many of the undecided had begun to converge on the former head of the key Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Vatican's top doctrinal authority.
Tuesday's lunch break was key, with liberal cardinals supporting Cardinal Martini deciding to back Pope Benedict XVI, although at least 10 cardinals refused to change camps, the daily said.
The high prelates broke into an applause as the scrutineers announced the result of the vote, but tension remained high until the new Pope accepted his elevation as pontiff. Then there was further applause.
Later that evening, the cardinals celebrated with a champagne toast at a dinner with Pope Benedict XVI, according to German cardinals.
-AFP
Do you know how many years until Mahony is to retire?
I hope it's within Pope Benedict XVI's time, then he can appoint a more orthodox bishop for the Los Angeles area. God knows they need one there.
I escaped the LA area with my family 10 years ago, and my faith has grown by leaps and bounds going to an orthodox, conservative parish (well, studying apologetics contributed a lot to that too). I'm so happy we got Bishop Olmstead here in Phoenix a year ago, and now Pope Benedict! I'm ecstatic!
One would be Cardinal Ratzinger himself. Cardinals are forbidden to vote for themself.
Good point.
I seem to recall that Fr. Mahoney, before he was consecrated a Bishop, talked and wrote like a real conservative.
He sure did - he even permitted an indult Mass in his old diocese. He is a very frustrating individual.
You both make good points.
That he allowed an indult Mass, before going to LA suggests that perhaps living in LaLaLand had a bad effect on him.
I think RCM is kind of a Vicar of Bray. With a new "King," he may suddenly experience a convenient conversion.
So does Andy Sullivin.
He is required by Church law to submit his resignation to the Holy See by February 27, 2011.
I'm so happy we got Bishop Olmstead here in Phoenix a year ago, and now Pope Benedict! I'm ecstatic!
I'm very happy about our new Holy Father as well.
May he live long and rule strong!
Good, it's reassuring to know that we're not down to the last two popes.
Phew, was starting to get a little nervous.
Um, doesn't everyone involved have to take an oath of secrecy regarding the conclave? Is that oath not taken as seriously as the conclave itself?
Heard he also has a memo that Ratzinger skipped Sunday Mass to play golf in 1952.
How did this info get out?
I saw that on the History Channel last night, when it becomes apparent who the next Pope is the cardinals jump on the bandwagon so as not to anger the new Pope.
TS
I didn't know that, but it doesn't surprise me. Seems to be too much of that going around!
Daneels
Kasper
Sodano
Lehmann
Martini
Archbishop of Lisbon
Mahoney
O'Brien
Napier
Tettamanzi
Re
It's not a secret ballot? I don't know if it is or not, but considering they use paper ballots, I always assumed it was secret.
I believe it is a secret ballot. This speculation about wanting to be on Ratzinger's good side is therefore beside the point.
Probably the reason for the leaks is a desire to strengthen the new pope.
The picture of the unhappy cardinals is very telling. I have to think that a substantial number of the College didn't want Ratzinger, whatever the ultimate vote was.
It's not clear to me how much fear there is of the new pope. The picture is one example of dissent. Another is the fact that Cardinal Daneels, rather than eat with the pope, called a press conference.
I'm sure Benedict has his number, anyway.
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