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Successful Successor



The Vatican has revealed the identity of the man 115 Cardinals have chosen to lead the world?s 1.1 billion Roman Catholics.

His real name is Joseph Ratzinger and he comes from Germany. But from now on, he?ll be known to eternity as Pope Benedict XVI.

He was chosen on the second day of voting at the Vatican, by the enclave of 115 Cardinals. The choice came earlier than expected and caused initial confusion when grayish white smoke emerged from the stovepipe of the Sistine Chapel, but no bells rang.

Vatican Radio had announced the smoke was black ? an indication no choice had been made. But minutes later, the correction was given and thousands awaiting word in St. Peter?s Square let up a loud roar as the news was confirmed.

The world?s 265th Pontiff was the man most believed would be chosen for the role, the early favourite and a close advisor to Pope John Paul II.

He made reference to his much loved predecessor and friend in his first official comments in the post.

"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me - a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord," he told the cheering throng. "I entrust myself to your prayers."

Ratzinger was born in Germany in 1927, and was ordained in June 1951. He became an archbishop in 1977, and a Cardinal a month later. He?d previously been the Archbishop of Munich and Freising.

And he makes history in another way ? he?s the world?s second consecutive non-Italian Pontiff, and the first from Germany in centuries.

It?s expected he?ll continue John Paul?s more conservative leanings, since the two men saw eye to eye on many issues, including the role of women in the church.

It's quite a birthday present for the veteran cleric. He turned 78 on Saturday.

It was one of the shortest conclaves in history. None has ever lasted longer than five days. Pope John Paul II was chosen in only 72 hours, after eight ballots.



Popes Who Have Served Since The 19th Century

Pius VII: March 14, 1800-Aug. 20, 1823.

Leo XII: Sept. 28, 1823-Feb. 10, 1829.

Pius VIII: March 31, 1829-Nov. 30, 1830.

Gregory XVI: Feb. 2, 1831-June 1, 1846.

Pius IX: June 16, 1846-Feb. 7, 1878.

Leo XIII: Feb. 20, 1878-July 20, 1903.

Pius X: Aug. 4, 1903-Aug. 20, 1914.

Benedict XV: Sept. 3, 1914-Jan. 22, 1922.

Pius XI: Feb. 6, 1922-Feb. 10, 1939.

Pius XII: March 2, 1939-Oct. 9, 1958.

John XXIII: Oct. 28, 1958-June 3, 1963.

Paul VI: June 21, 1963-Aug. 6, 1978.

John Paul I: Aug. 26-Sept. 28, 1978.

John Paul II: Oct. 16, 1978-April 2, 2005.

Benedict XVI: April 19, 2005-