Pope will surprise critics, NZ cardinal says

New Zealand's Cardinal Tom Williams says he agrees with American bishops that the new pope is gracious, humble, holy and open to discussion.

Cardinal Williams was among 115 cardinals who chose Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at a conclave in Vatican City yesterday to succeed Pope John Paul II.

The German cardinal, who has taken the papal name Pope Benedict XVI, is widely regarded as a conservative.

"I wish I had the same kind of crystal ball that others seem to have when they tell us exactly what kind of pope he's going to be," Cardinal Williams told National Radio today.

"I believe there will be continuity, because he's made it clear that he sees part of his work as continuing the implementation of the directions set by the second Vatican council, but there could be some surprises as well."

Cardinal Williams said he had met Pope Benedict on many occasions.

"He is a guardian of orthodoxy... I think the church will continue to be itself, and (the pope) is not going to have a makeover -- he will continue to be himself."

Pope Benedict had already spoken of relationships with other religions, with non-believers, of social development that respected the dignity of all, and listening to youth, Cardinal Williams said.

"These are all positive aspects of a new pontificate."

Archbishop of Wellington, the Most Reverend John Dew, said yesterday the new pope could connect well with young Catholics, and people were going to be very surprised when they came to know him.

Pope Benedict had a great opportunity to show young people what the Catholic church offered them at the World Catholic Youth Day in Germany in September.

New Zealanders including Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen and Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright sent messages of congratulations to the pope yesterday.

- NZPA