The Maltese Church yesterday welcomed with open arms the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Less than an hour after Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, giving his first blessing to the faithful, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca told journalists at the Curia in Floriana that God had given "the right Pope" to the Church, "as He does for every era".
Speaking in front of an image of Christ washing his disciples' feet at the Last Supper, Mgr Mercieca said the appointment of a new Pope "reminded us of God's love towards humankind".
The Archbishop said the new Pope was a man of great faith and also a "cultured and humble" man.
"Every Pope has his own style and character, but they are all led by the spirit of truth, and truth often calls for sacrifice," he said.
Asked if he thought the Church would lose its popularity because of Cardinal Ratzinger's known conservative stand, Mgr Mercieca said he laughed when he heard the word "conservative":
"There is only one truth and people should live by it. When we label the Church conservative, we would only be trying to twist its teaching to suit our desires," Mgr Mercieca said.
Describing the new Pope as a great theologist, Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi said the cardinals clearly opted for continuity.
"Continuity does not however mean there will be no renewal or innovation," Mgr Cauchi stressed.
Though Pope Ratzinger is the oldest on accession in a century, Mgr Cauchi recalled Pope John XXIII who was known to have revolutionised the Church, even though he was 77 years old when elected Pontiff. Mgr Cauchi said he admired Cardinal Ratzinger for sticking to what he believed in along the years, even if certain decisions were unpopular.
"But I also believe that during his blessing speech Pope Benedict showed great humility and obedience. He will become more popular," he added.
Mgr Cauchi said it was also worth noting why Cardinal Ratzinger had chosen the name Benedict.
Benedict XV ruled during the First World War and was instrumental in drawing countries closer to each other in a time of strife - Cardinal Ratzinger's choice indicated his desire to be a reconciler and a peacemaker.
"We ultimately always believe that the Holy Spirit guided the cardinals to their choice," the Gozo bishop said.
Sociologist Fr Charles Tabone hopes Pope Benedict XVI will follow in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II.
"It's clear that the cardinals were looking for continuity and the fact that he was elected by the fourth vote showed there was consensus about the right man," Fr Tabone said.
He said he would like to see a pastoral Pope who is in constant touch with the people.
Asked what he made out of unfavourable comments in the media about Cardinal Ratzinger in recent days, Fr Tabone replied:
"Let's give him a chance. Time will tell. I certainly welcome he new Pope with all my heart."