The new pope

So I predicted a Latin American would be elected. I almost as easily might have predicted several others from Africa and Europe. But Joseph Ratzinger? I just did not think it could happen, even if people from Vatican insiders to prominent bookies said his chances were way up there.

And now Joseph is Benedict, and we have a pope considerably more conservative than John Paul II. (Yes, considerably.)

Probably every one of 1.1 blllion Catholics worldwide who is over age six and has access to a television screen already has felt some strong emotion. Perhaps the great majority feels the "gaudium magnum" - the great joy - announced by Cardinal Medina Estevez after the white smoke and pealing of the bells of St. Peter's. I am among those who feel a profound sadness.

But maybe there will be a miracle. The last Benedict, known as the Fifteenth, was a moderate for his time (early 20th century) and essentially a reconciler.

ricardo