I was honestly surprised when I found out yesterday that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the new pope. I asked my spouse, a pastor of an open and affirming church, what that would mean for the Catholic church. "More people for us," he answered. Anyone thinking that Ratzinger will bring the Catholic church into the 20th century is mistaken. I have to say that I'm glad I'm not Catholic and I feel sorry for the people longing for reform.

paul