[DoctorMichael]

Given the decline of Christianity in "Old Europe" I would say it timely a Pope comes from Germany.

I agree!

See my #1495:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1386707/posts?page=1495#1495

"Pope JP II brought freedom through Catholism to the benighted Atheist Eastern Bloc.

"Hopefully, Pope Benedict XVI will likewise bring freedom through Catholicism to the increasingly benighted and increasingly Atheist Western European Bloc."

[Soul Seeker]

That would be the prayer.

IMHO, the countries with a thriving Church do not need someone to represent them as badly as those either a) oppressed b) overcome by athesism/secularism/humanism.

A Pope from Germany just makes sense.