Catholics hold hopes, prayers for Benedict XVI

The Evangelist invited an array of Catholics in the Albany Diocese to offer their reactions to the election of Pope Benedict XVI and their expectations for his papacy:

* The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Albany Province: We extend our "promise of prayer and blessings to Pope Benedict XVI as he begins his ministry. We pray that, like Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI will be a voice for the oppressed, an encourager of youth, a lover of life.

"We pray that, like Pope Benedict XV, Pope Benedict XVI will be an ambassador for international peace and reconciliation with a focus on diplomacy and global interconnectedness.

"We pray that, like St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI will be an example of utter devotion to the person and Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"As members of a congregation of women religious in the Roman Catholic Church, we pray that Pope Benedict XVI will honor the gifts and contributions of women to the Church and continue to promote vocations to the religious life.

"We offer Pope Benedict XVI our congratulations, our support, our prayers."

* The Sisters of Mercy of the Albany Regional Community (using the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas' statement): "The Sisters of Mercy pray for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Church during this time of transition. We consider it a blessing that the election took place as we near the feast of Pentecost. We pray that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be with us in abundance."

* Rev. William Pape, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, who studied with members of the Benedictine order: "My first reaction was surprise, because I didn't think that they would go with someone of that age. My second reaction was that he will have the grace of office to fulfill his obligation as pope and that he will have the prayers of Catholics throughout the world when people are celebrating Mass and in their private prayers.

"As pope, he needs to be a unifier, and he has already expressed his desire to continue the goal of Christian unity, which I think is important.

"I hope he will carry on World Youth Day and focus on dialogue with world religions. World Youth Day has touched the hearts of young people throughout the world. It is a sign of hope that they are involved in the Church and love the Lord and their faith."

* Mother John of the Cross, OCD, superior, Monastery of St. Teresa of Jesus, Schenectady: "We [Discalced Carmelite sisters] were just overjoyed. We were disposed to accept whatever pope the cardinals chose, of course, but [Pope Benedict XVI] is a good theologian. At least he is not a total stranger; he's familiar with the Roman Curia, and he was close to Pope John Paul II.

"He will base all of his decisions on sound Catholic theology. He will draw people closer to the sacraments, to holiness of life. All social action, if it doesn't flow from holiness of life, isn't an authentic witness of the Gospel. It's philanthropy, perhaps; but, to be an authentic witness of the Gospel, it has to flow from sound Catholic theology."

* Jean Marks, former parishioner of Our Lady of Angels, Albany (founded as a German parish): "I was kind of concerned about his age; he's an older man. I really don't know too much about him. I'm hoping he keeps the movement going that had been started by John Paul II.

"From what I've heard, he's more conservative. I don't hope to get women priests and so forth; I don't lean in that direction. [But I would approve of] possibly going back to married priests, especially in North America. I don't know how that worked out hundreds of years ago, but it might be something to look to again."

* Rev. Marian Kostyk, administrator of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church, Amsterdam: "I like this new pope. He will probably continue John Paul's views. I don't see any change in the Church's ideology, and I think that is why he was elected: to carry on the work of John Paul II.

"He is a bit old at 78, and his age might be a concern.

"I hope he will continue dialogue with other faiths. This is very important for world peace at this time."

* Jacqueline King, master's degree candidate at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, Albany: "My surprise upon learning that Cardinal Ratzinger had been selected as the new pope led me to marvel at the ways in which God works. Many had hoped to see a cardinal from the Third World elected. Obviously, that was not God's plan at this time.

"I believe he will be a good pope and a fine leader. I trust in the Holy Spirit to guide him and the cardinals to spiritually sound judgments.

"My expectations are to see a papacy that continues to focus on rebuilding trust in our leadership and 'cleaning up our house,' regarding the child sex abuse scandal.

"Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I believe this new papacy will raise the bar, leading us to deepen our commitment to our own spiritual lives. These recent events remind me that, in God, all things are possible."

* Donald Frederick, a parishioner of St. Joseph's in Schenectady (a German parish) for more than 70 years: "I thought this was a wise and practical selection. [Pope Benedict XVI] is an extremely intelligent individual and very academic-minded. He's a very widely read man. I don't think he's going to make many bad calls.

"I've heard somewhat negative remarks from the German people themselves -- that he was too conservative and [would have difficulty reaching out] to the Jewish people. But he's got both feet on the ground.

"He's going to follow the pattern of our last pope, which would be a good thing for the Church. You hear all these people that are going for women priests, for priests to get married -- I don't think the Church is ready for that at this juncture.

"Listening to other religions and them listening to us would be a great move toward unity."

* Rev. Antone Kandrac, OFM, Conv., pastor, St. Mary's parish, Nassau: "Our new pope has been imbued with God's Holy Spirit to lead us all in a world and society that seem to have lost religion and faith.

"The Catholic Church remains a beacon of hope to a world that has lost much of its faith. I believe that Pope Benedict XVI will continue the work set forth by our previous pope, particularly with interfaith dialogue.

"I would like to see him focus on evangelizing our own people, especially throughout Europe, which seems to have lost many Catholics. I know this pope will be an inspiration, not only for the people of Germany, but for all of us -- Catholic and otherwise."

(Reported by Kate Blain, assistant editor, and Pat Pasternak and Karen Dietlein, staff writers.)

(4/28/05)