Benedict XVI Expected to Follow John Paul II's Lead Vatican watchers believe the ascension of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany to the Roman Catholic Church's highest office is a call for leadership continuity. The new Pope Benedict XVI was a close confidant of Pope John Paul II and advocates a strict interpretation of church orthodoxy.

New Pope Greets the World

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

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Benedict XVI Expected to Follow John Paul II's Lead

April 20, 200512:00 AM ET

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Emily Harris

Benedict XVI Expected to Follow John Paul II's Lead

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Vatican watchers believe the ascension of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany to the Roman Catholic Church's highest office is a call for leadership continuity. The new Pope Benedict XVI was a close confidant of Pope John Paul II and advocates a strict interpretation of church orthodoxy.

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his first public Mass since his election, at the Sistine Chapel, April 20. Reuters hide caption

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New Pope Greets the World

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