Bretl doesn’t expect major theological change
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The leader of McMinnville’s only Catholic church, which serves roughly 500 parishioners and their families, said Tuesday shortly after the Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany was elected the 265th pope he expects things to remain largely the same. Bretl said the past few weeks have been a time of mourning, prayer and reflection for Catholics.
“After Pope John Paul II died, we had nine days of prayers, special masses with a funeral liturgy and we had black beads hanging on the door, just honoring the person who had such a marvelous influence on the world,” he said.
“And then, as of Monday, the cardinals went into conclave, which means they are absolutely secluded from the world. And it’s their job to elect somebody new to take John Paul II’s place. For Catholics throughout the world, it’s a time of prayer, calling on the gift of the Holy Spirit, to choose someone who would be right for the church.”
Like many, Bretl said he was surprised at the choice.
“I was kind of surprised myself that Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen – not because he isn’t a great theologian – he is with no doubt about it. He is very influential to the Second Vatican Council, but he’s also 78. But maybe by the power of the Holy Spirit, I just have to believe that this is what the church needs at this time.”
As far as policy, Bretl said some Catholics may have been looking for change, like allowing contraception or allowing women into the priesthood.
“I know he’s not going to be a happy choice for many liberal Catholics,” Bretl said of the new pope, who is the spiritual leader for the Catholic church. “He’s noted to be rather conservative. We’re not going to see women priests.”
He said since the new pope was considered to be John Paul II’s right-hand man, theology is expected to remain similar, but anything can happen.
“Who knows? He’s his own man. I’m sure as a deep adviser to John Paul II, he wants to respect all of his theology. But you never can tell. No one ever expected Pope John XXIII to call the Second Vatican Council,” Bretl said of the action in 1959 that effectively opened the church up to the modern world. “But he did, and he was an old man at the time.”
For non-Catholics who may be wondering about the choice of names and all the Roman numerals, Bretl explained choosing the pope’s name is a symbolic gesture.
Benedict XVI may be a reflection of a previous person who did great things.
“This is purely my take on it, but he wants to reflect on the accomplishment of the person who went before him with that name,” he said. “And Benedict XV was elected at a time when there was tremendous theological conflict within the church and he really worked to bring it all together. And I have a feeling that is his aim because there are a lot of different theologies within the church.”