I am glad that he is someone who was close to John Paul II. Maybe now we can undo some of the disasters that resulted from Vatican II.
From the bios I've read, it appears that Ratzinger has been involved in countering the misinterpretations that sprung up after Vatican II for much of his time as bishop. There were many who were pushing for great 'reform' of the RC Church (such as the Americans have) after that, but Ratzinger has been involved in leading the charge against them for decades.