The article by Anil Netto on Pope Benedict XVI purports to represent Catholic views on the new pope but cites only critics. Benedict was chosen by those who know him best, the College of Cardinals.

They are all Church leaders from all continents and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are best fitted to choose the new head of the Church. Benedict is a man with a brilliant mind as his career and his writings demonstrate.

It is his function in the Vatican to safeguard the essential doctrines which are the core of the Catholic teaching and tradition and his duty to take decisions which might not be popular and which are easily misunderstood..

He is a man of open mind as his writings show and those who know him know that he is patient and is willing to listen. What he will not do - as a leader of the Church cannot do - is water down the principles of the Catholic faith to make it popular according to contemporary secular fashions and thinking.

Christ, the founder of Christianity did not seek popularity and died cruelly as a result. Much criticism comes from those who know little of Him. Those who would like to follow Catholicism or any of the great faiths are required to sacrifice and have realisation that we have to follow the will of God - not our own personal will.