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Thursday, April 21, 2005
New pontiff promises to seek dialogue with other religions
VATICAN CITY—Pope Benedict XVI yesterday pledged to work to unify all Christians, reach out to other religions and continue implementing reforms from the Second Vatican Council, as he made clear his pontificate will closely follow the directions set by Pope John Paul II.
Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, listed the priorities of his papacy in a message read in Latin to cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel, for the first mass celebrated by the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
He said his “primary task” would be to work without fail to reunify all Christians and that sentiment alone was not enough. “Concrete acts that enter souls and move consciences are needed,” he said.
The new pope said he wanted to continue “an open and sincere dialogue” with other religions and would do everything in his power to improve the ecumenical cause.
The Archdiocese of Cebu joined the world in welcoming Benedict XVI, describing his election to the papacy as “a time of joy and a time of hope.”
Great gift
Bishop Jolito Cortes, together with Msgr. Cayetano Gelbolingo, the archdiocesan vicar general, celebrated the 11 a.m. thanksgiving mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral attended by laymen and women, nuns, priests and the faithful.
Like the proclamation of the new pope in the Vatican, Cortes started his homily by shouting “Habemus Papam,” and the churchgoers clapped their hands in praise.
“We have a Pope! God is true to his promise. The Lord is our Shepherd, there is nothing we shall want. With those words, we rejoice with the rest of the world and thanked the Lord for this great gift of a new pope,” Cortes said.
In a separate interview, Bishop Precioso Cantillas said, “I suppose he would try to follow the footsteps of John Paul II. He is 78 years old. John Paul was 58 when he became pope. You would understand the difference in dynamism and energy.”
Although they are wary about the election of a conservative pope, married priests in the country are still hopeful the new Catholic Church leader will be one who “rules with his heart.”
Liberal issues
Philippine Federation of Married Catholic Priests Inc. national president Orlando Carvajal said their initial reaction on the choice of Benedict XVI was of “disappointment” because he was known to have upheld church policy against attempts by liberals.
“We are disappointed because he is a known conservative. We used to be a progressive archdiocese but we became conservative,” he said when sought for reaction yesterday.
“But we are hopeful that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and since he has a good heart, his heart will overcome his intellect,” he said.
Carvajal added they have not lost hope that the new pope will be open to issues such as married priests, the ordination of women and gay marriages.
Bishop Cantillas, who met then Cardinal Ratzinger years ago in the Vatican, said the pontiff “may be conservative to those who may have a liberal or open perspective of reality.”
On the other hand, Msgr. Roberto Alesna believes Benedict XVI will address “fair and square the issues on sexual abuse and misconduct of some priests.”
A giant
Fr. Carmelo Diola, when sought for comment, said he prayed the new pope will be able to reflect “the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep” and will reach out to those outside his flock.
Like Diola, Bishop Cortes also had the opportunity to meet Benedict XVI twice in the Vatican.
“He is a bit short, but he is a giant,” Cortes said, describing the pope’s record as a renowned theologian of the Catholic Church.
Benedict XVI had served as the leader of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith for the past 24 years. A frontrunner in the days leading to the conclave, he was viewed as the cardinal who knew the late pope’s mind best.
Cortes also reminded the faithful to thank all the members of the conclave, particularly Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, for their sacrifices in electing a new pope in such a short period of time. (AP)/JST/CYR/Geraldine N. Aguelo, UP Mass Comm intern)
(April 21, 2005 issue)
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