Joseph Ratzinger, a German-born cardinal who was a strong defender of the late John Paul II, was elected the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday.

Ratzinger, to be known as Pope Benedict XVI, is 78 years old. He is considered an opponent to liberation theology, a belief that churches can advance social causes, including indigenous rights.

With the majority of Catholics living in Latin America, Africa and Asia, many had hoped for a pope that represents their part of the world. Catholics in countries with large populations of Native people said they were disappointed with the selection.

Get the Story:
Church Turns to Its Guardian of the Faith (The Washington Post 4/20)
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Joy Tempered by a Wish for a Third World Pope (The WAshington Post 4/20)
Benedict XVI, 78, Was John Paul II's Strict Defender of the Faith (The New York Times 4/20)
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In Selection of New Pope, Third World Loses Out (The New York Times 4/20)
Farmington religious leaders, faithful react positively to pope selection (The Farmington Daily Times 4/20)

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