German Catholics Urge a More Liberal Pontiff Kyle James reports from Berlin on Pope John Paul II's imprint on the German Catholic Church and the nation's hopes for his successor. Many German parishioners left the church during John Paul's tenure because of his conservative -- some would say dogmatic -- views.

New Pope Greets the World

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany is elected to succeed Pope John Paul II.

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German Catholics Urge a More Liberal Pontiff

April 17, 200512:00 AM ET

Heard on All Things Considered

German Catholics Urge a More Liberal Pontiff

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Kyle James reports from Berlin on Pope John Paul II's imprint on the German Catholic Church and the nation's hopes for his successor. Many German parishioners left the church during John Paul's tenure because of his conservative — some would say dogmatic — views.

Special Series

New Pope Greets the World

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany is elected to succeed Pope John Paul II.