Orthodox Reactions, New Pope

I’d just told our catechumen, a former Roman Catholic, that it would not be Ratzinger. Don’t get me wrong, (as if it matters) I approve the selection! Having studied Cardinal Ratzinger’s work in seminary, I’m a fan. Yet with the media weighing in so heavily as to his “front-runner status”, I had my doubts. For the Roman Catholic communion, I believe this is a very good day.

It’s still early yet, but here follows a couple e-reactions from Orthodox pals.

Fr Patrick Henry Reardon, pastor, author & senior editor of TOUCHSTONE:

This is one of the happiest events I can think of in a long time. Immediately after the Holy Father went back inside the basilica, I went over to church to give thanks and to pray for him.

Read more H E R E.

Fr John Whiteford, pastor, blogger, and author of SOLA SCRIPTURA:

We have a new Pope! But he doesn’t have us.

Go H E R E.

Dr John Mark Reynolds, Prof, speaker & blogger: Go to April 19th and scroll down.

Huw Raphael … This Side of Glory …

MORE …

While some American Catholics may be nervous about the new pope’s conservative positions, that very philosophy makes him popular among Eastern Orthodox church leaders, who in recent years forged a friendly relationship with the Vatican.

“I don’t like to use the word conservative,” said Metropolitan Nicholas, bishop of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of Johnstown, who has met Ratzinger several times, “but he very much follows the Orthodox tradition.”

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