On Tuesday, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany assumed the 265th papacy, taking the name of Pope Benedict XVI. As people around the world watched in wonder for that telltale wisp of white smoke, musing about which country the new pope might be from or whether he would continue former Pope John Paul II's legacy of upholding Catholic Church tradition, SLU students, faculty and staff were abuzz. The event was particularly exciting for the majority of Saint Louis University undergraduates, both Catholics and non-Catholics, who, for the first time in their lives, saw a new pope take on the position.

When it came to the selection of John Paul II's replacement, some of the topics Saint Louis University students discussed were what the next pope's stances on Vatican II, the use of contraceptives in third world countries to prevent the spread of AIDS, stem cell research and abortion would be.

Benedict XVI, who served as John Paul II's chief theological advisor for the past 20 years, is expected to continue to uphold traditional theological doctrine. At 78 years of age, some regard the new pope as transitional, and hold the belief that the cardinals selected Benedict XVI in an effort to continue the mission of John Paul II.

To be sure, his age is not a deterrent to accomplishing much. Pope John XXIII was advanced in years when elected in the late 1950s. Many thought of him as no more than a transitional church leader. That is, until he enacted the Second Vatican Council.

While some have criticized the new pope for being too conservative, the statements that he has made in his position as dean of the cardinals when speaking on church doctrine are consistent with those upheld by the church. The College of Cardinals is composed, obviously, of many like-minded individuals. Ratzinger was simply in a position to regularly have his opinions on prominent record as the prefect of the congregation for doctrine of the faith.

It is not likely that the new pope will deviate from the stance of John Paul II on many issues; in fact, it seems that Benedict XVI will continue the precedent that the former pope set in upholding traditional Catholic values when it comes to the sanctity of life.

John Paul II will, without a doubt, be a tough act for Benedict to follow. Beloved by Catholics around the world and revered for his ability to relate to youth, John Paul II will certainly be remembered as one of the great leaders of the Catholic Church.

Benedict XVI is a scholarly man, well-versed in Church doctrine, who was close to the late pope for many years. Both Catholics and other relgious peoples around the world should pray that he is embraced in the same way that his predecessor was and that he may find success in continuing the work of the universal Church.