[Diago]

I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps Cardinal Ratzinger actually did want the job of Pope and actually campaigned for it. And perhaps, one of the deals he cut before hand was to promise to pick a liberal American as his own replacement. The same way presidential candidates pick a VP who will balance the ticket. This whole thing is quite heartbreaking.

[Siobhan]

More than heartbreaking. Diabolical -- unless I am really missing something here.

[Antoninus]

This whole thing is quite heartbreaking.

Don't lose heart. In my opinion, the real question will be who becomes the next Archbishop of San Francisco. Based on what Fr. Fessio said previously, rumor was that Benedict himself was going to remain head of the CDF. It's possible that Levada was named as titular head of CDF with no real power--to get him out of the way.

If another AmChurch liberal is named to San Francisco, I'll be a lot more worried...

[pro Athanasius]

Yes I agree with you I thought the same thing- that it was pay back time. However I guess Ratzinger did work with Levada before and liked him. I think we can expect more of the same apostacy in the church- it will get worse. Most conservatives and many traditionalists have on there rose colored glasses. Bishop Williamson is more guarded but I guess Felay whom I normally like is "hopeful".