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Catholics have high standards for pope

Benedict XVI has a lot to live up to in replacing John Paul II. Some local Catholics are already impressed, others are waiting to see changes.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published April 25, 2005

SPRING HILL - It was perhaps curiosity more than anything else that made Marcy Schwabenbauer set her alarm clock so she could watch the televised inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI early Sunday morning. What she saw impressed her.

"When I watched him smile and wave to the crowds it seemed very genuine," said Schwabenbauer, who attends St. Joan Of Arc Catholic Church. "It changed my mind about him. I think he'll be great unifier (in the Catholic church), and we really need one now."

Many Catholics in Hernando County admitted that former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger remains something of a mystery man to them. Some wondered whether he would have the same charisma as his predecessor, John Paul II.

"From what I've read and heard he's a fairly quiet person," said David Holbert of Benedict XVI. Holbert, a Reading, Pa., resident who was attending Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Brooksville on Sunday, said he believes that the choice of a 78-year-old pope most likely signaled that the church wanted someone who would adhere closely to the church's theological doctrines.

"It was probably a good idea to pick someone who was a bit conservative," offered Holbert. "I think a lot of Catholics don't want to see a huge change right now."

The Rev. Robert Donlan, pastor at St. Anthony, believes the selection of the new pope signals that the Catholic church was looking for a transitional leadership figure.

"The fact that he's 78 years old probably means he won't be leading the church for the next 20 years, like John Paul II did," Donlan said. "Still, he's a very intelligent person who is capable of getting much done."

One of the things that ranks high on Donlan's list of things the pope needs to do is fix the shortage of priests. Donlan said he believes that the church could be in dire crisis if the problem is not addressed soon.

"Right now you have some priests who are visiting three or four parishes a week because there are not enough ministers to fill the openings," Donlan said. "The way things have looked in the world recently, it's going to be even more difficult to attract new candidates unless something is done."

Pastor Ray O'Neill of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church said that Benedict XVI's extensive knowledge of the theologic fabric of the church will make him an effective leader.

"I think that over time he will surprise a lot of people in his ability to be a great communicator," O'Neill said. "He may not have the affable image that John Paul II had, but he is a very likable person from what I can tell so far."

Two years ago, 21-year-old Teresa Colon was granted an audience with John Paul II while her church choir was visiting Rome. She got to see up close the charisma that made the pope one of the world's most beloved leaders among young people.

She hopes that the new pontiff will make a similar effort to vigorously support some of the youth-oriented programs of his predecessor.

"One of the most important things the pope can do is to make us feel welcome, and that we have input into the church," Colon said. "I think if you do the kind of things that speak to young people you will always have them on your side."

--Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 352 848-1435.

[Last modified April 25, 2005, 01:04:14]