Well, I don't know this new pope personally, so I can speak only on what I've heard, which is not usually advisable. So, I'll simply say that I'll judge tihs new pope by his actions.
I'm not Catholic; hell, I'm very much pagan, but I did respect JP jr., simply because he carried himself as a man of honor. He believed what he believed, and didn't profess to something simply because it was in his best interests in obtaining more power and influence in the church. He seemed to genuinely care about people, and I do pray that Benedict XVI is a man of similar convictions and compassion - especially in reaching out to others and trying to work with those of different faiths.
And he looks like a nice enough old man...but...book covers don't tell much of anything, do they? And most of them today promise more than the text delivers.
Anyway, in pace requiescas, Johannem Paulum II.
Damn, no more posting after a few snifters of brandy...good brany though.
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