Return to Transcripts main page

Live From...

Pope Benedict XVI Begins Papacy

Aired April 20, 2005 - 14:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: And welcome to LIVE FROM this half hour. Special global coverage of the new pope, Benedict XVI.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The pontiff celebrated his first mass in his new role. We'll take you live around the world to see how his flock and everyone else for that matter, is taking note.

This time, say, 22, 28 hours ago Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (sic) could take a stroll around the Vatican near his apartment without the whole world watching his every step. But Benedict XVI, however draws a crowd, as you can see here. This is the 265th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at the end of his first full day on the job. A very full day it was. A mass of cardinals. A tour of the papal apartments. A public vow to seek full and visible unity of all of the followers of Christ.

And how is the world reacting? This morning's headlines range from jubilant the "We are the pope" in the "German Daily Bild" paper to the tepid Swiss banner "A German transitional pope" to more skeptical, even hostile coverage in other parts of Europe and Latin America. The former Cardinal Ratzinger's well-known conservative and love of tradition prompts such turns of phrase as "Panzer cardinal," "God's Rottweiler," and "Apostle of Orthodoxy." The pontiff's native Bavaria notes he's not a sort of universal monster.

PHILLIPS: We have correspondents spread throughout the new pontiff's vast flock, from Lucia Newman in Cuba to Veronica Pedros in Hong Kong to Zain Verjee in Atlanta to Jeff Koinange in Lagos, Chris Burns in Munich and Guy Raz in Jerusalem. We begin with the big picture. Expectations, speculation, fulfilled or dashed or neither in the person of Benedict XVI.

Here's CNN's Zain Verjee.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For Catholics in the developing world it was not to be. Many had hoped the princes of the church would elect a cardinal from Latin America or Africa to fill the throne of St. Peter and reflect the changing face of the Catholic Church. Latin America has the world's largest Catholic population and the African continent is the church's fastest growing flock.

As the great bells of St. Peter tolled in Vatican City, so they did in Mexican City. Amongst prayers and tears, support. "I think it's been a good decision," says Orelio (ph) Some of the faithful were disappointed that their cardinal, Maradiaga wasn't chosen. Maria's Parvon's (ph) explanation - "I think he's still not ready. What defeated him was his age." There were celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, many thrilled with the news.

"It is marvelous," she says. "He will fix what's wrong. I think he'll lead with a will of steel." That for some Catholics, like Tari Santos (ph) is the problem. "I think he's somewhat conservative," she says. "We wanted a bit more movement in the church." As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was known for his rigid position on church doctrine saying no to homosexuality and no to birth control and no to marriage of priests and no to abortion.

In Europe many Catholics want to see a shift. This French pilgrim says she hopes the new pope will reconsider the church's position on condoms. In Spain many of the faithful were more positive. "I think it is a great choice." "A little younger would have been better."

In Italy, dancing in St. Peter's Square and congratulations all around. Paolo, a souvenir seller, says it's a great joy. "I'm used to seeing him pass and nod to me. A great pope. For sure he'll be a great pope."

Many Catholics around the world believe the decision was ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit, they say, can't be wrong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Benedict XVI is the first from Germany in almost a full millennium. He hails from a village in Bavaria

CNN's Chris Burns is in the Bavarian capital of Munich with some reaction from there. Chris?

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Miles, the bells ringing here at the Palankillsha (ph) where the church where the cardinal was preaching for years. It was in this area where he began as you say. He was born in the alpine foothills south of Munich, son of a policeman. A family, a long tradition of farming family. Very conservative. He rose up here. He studied theology at the University of Munich. He became a priest in 1951. He went on and taught in a number of cities in Germany where some of his former students say he was quite willing to speak of everything from Voodoo to Franz Kafka. So he was very open to discussion. Then he became a cardinal and went over in 1982 to the Vatican where he became the watchdog of the church policies.

That's where he earned that title God's Rottweiler and that's now why there is quite a bit of criticism today among Catholics in Germany. We saw jubilation in his hometown and his birth place in Martl-Am-Inn, where he was born in 1927 but that jubilation was not held by all Catholics here. If you think about what poll recently released where more than a third of those asked in Germany felt that they opposed this Cardinal Ratzinger becoming pope. Less than a third supported him. That's what he's up against. I talked to a gentleman coming out of church where he said, really, I'm proud he's a German but I would like to see him reform this church. Miles?

O'BRIEN: Chris, of course, given the pope's age, his formative years during the tyranny of Nazi Germany when every child had to participate in the Hitler Youth, he did and ultimately rebelled against Nazi Germany, what's the affect on how this affected his personality and character?

BURNS: Well, Miles: this is really an issue that's not really in the papers here. Everyone pretty much accepted what he wrote a few years ago laying it out on the table saying, yes, I am among plenty of other Germans that age during the war. He was 16 at the time. He was required to go into the Hitler Youth. He got out as quickly as he can. And then he was drafted and he was made an assistant to an anti- aircraft battery that was defending a BMW plant here in the area. He got out of that as quickly as possible and he deserted from the army and was captured by the Americans shortly at the end of the war. So really he feels that he's atoned and that's really what Jewish groups say, as well, Miles.

O'BRIEN: All right. Thank you very much. Chris Burns in Munich. Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Earlier on there was talk about possibly electing an African pope and the hope of African Catholics were riding on the Nigeria's Francis Arinze. CNN's Jeff Koinange is in the Nigerian capital, Lagos, to tell us whether people there are feeling disappointed. Jeff?

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. It was a mixed bag overall. But the headline said it all. Everything from "Viva il Papa," "Meet the new pope" in celebrations across the continent. In Nairobi, Kenya, impromptu celebrations on word that the new pope was indeed Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. Across Africa, even here in Nigeria, celebrations broke out and also impromptu masses. However, Nigerians express that they wanted one of their own to be the pope.

In fact, Cardinal Francis Arinze, a homegrown Nigeria, he was a frontrunner toward the end of this campaign and they wanted him to be pope but, alas, it didn't happen. Nigerians say, well, at least the continuation of policies of John Paul II will continue and they were happy with that. There was a quote from Arinze's brother in a little village in Eastern Nigeria saying the person elected is the best man for the job. It wasn't without criticism in South Africa the outspoken Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu says in his words that Pope Benedict XVI is a rigid conservative that's, quote, "out of touch with the time so criticism but overall with 120 million Roman Catholics, well, for the most part they were happy with the selection, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: And Pope John Paul II making his way to Nigeria. It will be interesting to see if this pope will make his way there. Our Jeff Koinange there live from Lagos, Nigeria.

O'BRIEN: Poverty and Protestants.

PHILLIP: Two of the church's biggest challenges for keeping the flock faithful in Latin America. We'll look at how Pope Benedict XVI might rise to the challenge just ahead.

O'BRIEN: In Arabic he's called al Baba Benedict Sadeesh Ashar (ph). The al Jazeera network carried live coverage of the new pope. We'll take you inside the Muslim world's response to the new Catholic leader.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

POPE BENEDICT XVI (through translator) (video clip): There are two contrasting feelings in my soul at this moment. From one moment I feel inadequate and an inner disquiet because of the responsibility that has been entrusted to me from the Apostle Peter towards the universal church and on the other hand I feel lively in me a profound gratitude towards God.

O'BRIEN: Pope Benedict XVI celebrating his first mass after becoming pope. Now to more international reaction to the new pontiff. In Latin America, lukewarm reaction to the news of his election. Many Catholics on that continent feel the church hierarchy in the Vatican is out of touch with the conditions on the ground there. CNN's Lucia Newman reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): While Catholics in the developed world ponder over issues like homosexuality and whether or not priests should remain celibate, in Latin America where almost half of the world's Catholic population lives, priorities are different. It is no coincidence that it is the birth place of liberation theology. A movement started 30 years ago among Catholics who say the church must focus on ending poverty and oppression.

Yet according to the Brazilian brother, Friar Betto (ph) the Catholic Church still faces the same dilemma in this region where every day millions wonder whether they will have enough to feed their children.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As Pope John Paul said, we have to create the globalization of solidarity, in other words, reduce the inequalities that exist between the North and the South, the rich and the poor.

NEWMAN: But many do not perceive the leaders of Latin America's Catholic Church are up to the task of using their influence to address the problems of the poor, which includes fighting exploitation and privilege. So while the church has been busy looking for new converts in Latin America millions have been abandoning ship.

And jumping into charismatic protestant sects like this one. From 70 worshippers a decade ago, some 25,000 people flood this old Bogota furniture factory every Sunday, the majority working class. As a Catholic I hear people talking about God but I only learned to live god's way when I joined the Evangelical Protestant Church, says Mauricio Rano, who joined five years ago.

During the last papacy more than 25 million Latin America Catholics deserted the church, most turning to faiths that don't forbid birth control and that they feel they have more in common with the common man. That includes African based religions that are also gaining ground in countries like Cuba.

(on camera): Latin America is clearly looking to get its could you from the Vatican to bring back the flock. But in the words of the acting president of Brazil's bishops conference, the choice of the conservative Joseph Ratzinger sends a message to the regionthat the priority is the old world and not the new. Lucia Newman, CNN, Havana.

PHILLIPS: Now for the view from Asia. CNN's Veronic Pedrosa has been tracking sentiment in the Philippines, one of the few countries in Asia with a Catholic majority.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERONICA PEDROSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Early morning mass at Manila Cathedral and in one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia, Filipinos feel united in welcoming the new pope.

PRES. GLORIA MACPAGAL ARROYO, PHILIPPINES: I'm certain that Pope Benedict XVI will serve as a beacon leading the 1.1 billion Catholics of the world across the triumphs and trials of the millennium.

PEDROSA: Ordinary churchgoers joined in their approval of Cardinal Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're glad as people of the Catholic Church, we are very happy to have our new spiritual leader again. We hope that he can guide us as Pope John Paul did.

PEDROSA: Indeed, church officials and their congregation do not share criticisms for his conservatism. In fact, some say it is what the church needs to be back to basic Catholic teachings.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are Roman Catholic. You should have to consider the teachings of the bible so the teachings of the bible where we get our practices is conservative in nature. So it is important to be more conservative than modernized.

PEDROSA: Churchgoers the morning after the election admit they would have liked an Asian pope but they emphasize the issues rather than the person.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think we'll have to address poverty and especially what happened to Indonesia and other countries.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PEDROSA (on camera): Filipinos showed their devotion to the late Pope John Paul II for turning out for the largest ever pal mass ten years ago. For them Benedict XVI is a worthy successor. Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Veronica, you filed this piece from Manila. You're in Hong Kong. Let's talk about China and the new pope in China. PEDROSA: This is going to be a diplomatic challenge for the new pope benedict xvi as he tries to increase the Vatican's influence in the world's most populous country. While Beijinger hey have congratulated the elevation of the former Cardinal Ratzinger but issued a demand that the Vatican cut ties with Taiwan which it sees as a renegade province. The other long standing condition that it said before it will establish relations with the Vatican is that the Vatican agree not to interfere in internal affairs under the excuse of religion. In other words that the Vatican concedes authority to Beijing rather than to the pope over its flock. That created a situation where you have an underground church living under repression in China.

Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Veronica Pedrosa. Thank you.

O'BRIENS: So how is the new Holy Father being greeted in the Holy Land? His election made the front pages. Beyond the headlines, some are wondering whether he'll follow in John Paul II's footsteps. That's ahead. Also, fascinating facts about the german policeman's son who became the pope.

They await you at cnn.com. A special interactive section let's you post your comments and see how cyberworld is reacting to Benedict XVI.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Beautiful live picture of Vatican City. The election of Pope Benedict XVI received coverage in the Arab media. Media all over the world, of course. Respectful but wary was how one commentator characterized the election. Joining me now with more on the reaction to the Arab world is our senior Arab affairs editor Octavia Nasr. And Octavia, it is interesting because we were talking about how there really is no Islamic version of the pope. The way the hierarchy is there and the way Islam is divided among sects there is no such thing as pope. So I'm curious what the Islamic thinks of the way the Roman Catholic Church is organized and thinks of the pope.

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Looking at the way they convered the story it looks like they were very interested in the drama that was unfolding. They stayed on the story. They covered it live from the death of the pope to the funeral to the conclave and the announcement as you see here. And finally, the announcement, as you seen in Al Jazeera, the announcement of the new pope.

Now as you said in the introduction they were polite. Religion is a very taboo subject in the Arab world. Their religion and other people's religion. So they always deal with it with velvet gloves. They are very careful not to criticize. So not much criticism of this pope. They describe him of someone that will follow in the footsteps of John Paul II but you hear the words ultraconservative, conservative, fundamentalist in many, many cases.

O'BRIEN: Of course, if you thought about John Paul II and his legacy it is conservative but he had this persona which was able to bridge so many gaps including the Arab world. Tough act for follow. A pope that really truly crossed over into the Islamic world and is loved. How is the Arab world viewing Pope Benedict XVI and whether he can do the same thing.

NASR: They already have something against Pope Benedict XVI. It is a comment that he made back in 2004. Take a look at this. He said in an interview to the French magazine, "Le Figaro," in 2004, he says, identifying, and this is about Turkey joining the EU, his answer was very clear. "Identifying Turkey with Europe is a mistake. It means a means a cultural loss for economic gains. Turkey considers itself a secular state but with its Muslim foundation can attempt to create a cultural continent with its neighboring Arab countries and become the protagonist of a culture that has its own identity."

Very harsh words if you take them word by word, and of course, the Turkish media -- Look at this map. Turkey is right there in between Europe and Asia. So the country is sort of divided between Europe and Asia. It considers itself European and Asian at the same time. Now this pope is saying that Turkey is not European because he says that he thinks a continent in a cultural way and not geographic way and therefore he wants turkey to be part of the Arab world rather than Europe. So controversy already for this pope because he has books written and he makes statements and he's more known than John Paul II when he was elected pope.

O'BRIEN: It will be interesting to see how the words of a cardinal may morph in the words of a pope. It may be a different kind of statement next time around. Octavia Nasr. Thank you very much. Appreciate it

NASR: Anytime.

PHILLIPS: In Jerusalem, home to three of the world's great religions the key word is caution. Both sides are hoping the new pope will continue the policies of his predecessor. CNN's Guy Raz filed this report for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The bells toll in the holy city, the Holy See's flag in Jerusalem flutters to welcome the new pontiff.

MSGR MICHAL SABBAH, LATIN PATRIARCH, JERUSALEM: There's a special link between a pope and Holy Land here because for the pope the roots are here in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Galilee.

RAZ: John Paul II galvanized that link during his visit here in 2000, visiting sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

(on camera): And John Paul II had the ability to be all things to all sides. For Israelis he was the sign of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation. For Palestinians, a champion of their struggle for self determination.

(voice-over): The question for both sides is whether Pope Benedict XVI will carry on John Paul's legacy.

RABII ISRAEL LAU, FORMER CHIEF RABBI, ISRAEL: He's known as a friend to the Jewish people and I hope, pray and wish him to follow the footsteps of John Paul II.

RAZ: Under John Paul's Vatican the church established diplomatic ties with Israel while pushing for Palestinian rights. But Father Peter Madros, Palestinian priest believes the new pope will be less forthright politically.

REV. PETER MADROS, LATIN PATRIARCHATE, JERUSALEM: He might have less to say or less to state or less to declare about the directly political issues but he will not spare his remarks when it comes to human rights.

RAZ: Palestinians regard the church with its moral authority as a counterweight to the United States and both sides here can look to the Vatican as a neutral arbiter untainted by political ambitions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

RAZ (on camera): Now, there are relatively few Catholics that live in the Holy Land any longer but the word of the Holy See still carries a great deal of weight and it's for that reason why both sides, both communities will be watching the papacy of Benedict XVI very closely. Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Guy Raz live from Jerusalem. Thanks.

O'BRIEN: We would like to thank all of our reporters, all around the world.

Much more coverage of the pope throughout the day.

PHILLIPS: We're going to be back with more "LIVE FROM" right after a quick break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired April 20, 2005 - 14:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: And welcome to LIVE FROM this half hour. Special global coverage of the new pope, Benedict XVI.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: The pontiff celebrated his first mass in his new role. We'll take you live around the world to see how his flock and everyone else for that matter, is taking note.

This time, say, 22, 28 hours ago Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (sic) could take a stroll around the Vatican near his apartment without the whole world watching his every step. But Benedict XVI, however draws a crowd, as you can see here. This is the 265th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church at the end of his first full day on the job. A very full day it was. A mass of cardinals. A tour of the papal apartments. A public vow to seek full and visible unity of all of the followers of Christ.

And how is the world reacting? This morning's headlines range from jubilant the "We are the pope" in the "German Daily Bild" paper to the tepid Swiss banner "A German transitional pope" to more skeptical, even hostile coverage in other parts of Europe and Latin America. The former Cardinal Ratzinger's well-known conservative and love of tradition prompts such turns of phrase as "Panzer cardinal," "God's Rottweiler," and "Apostle of Orthodoxy." The pontiff's native Bavaria notes he's not a sort of universal monster.

PHILLIPS: We have correspondents spread throughout the new pontiff's vast flock, from Lucia Newman in Cuba to Veronica Pedros in Hong Kong to Zain Verjee in Atlanta to Jeff Koinange in Lagos, Chris Burns in Munich and Guy Raz in Jerusalem. We begin with the big picture. Expectations, speculation, fulfilled or dashed or neither in the person of Benedict XVI.

Here's CNN's Zain Verjee.

ZAIN VERJEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For Catholics in the developing world it was not to be. Many had hoped the princes of the church would elect a cardinal from Latin America or Africa to fill the throne of St. Peter and reflect the changing face of the Catholic Church. Latin America has the world's largest Catholic population and the African continent is the church's fastest growing flock.

As the great bells of St. Peter tolled in Vatican City, so they did in Mexican City. Amongst prayers and tears, support. "I think it's been a good decision," says Orelio (ph) Some of the faithful were disappointed that their cardinal, Maradiaga wasn't chosen. Maria's Parvon's (ph) explanation - "I think he's still not ready. What defeated him was his age." There were celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, many thrilled with the news.

"It is marvelous," she says. "He will fix what's wrong. I think he'll lead with a will of steel." That for some Catholics, like Tari Santos (ph) is the problem. "I think he's somewhat conservative," she says. "We wanted a bit more movement in the church." As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was known for his rigid position on church doctrine saying no to homosexuality and no to birth control and no to marriage of priests and no to abortion.

In Europe many Catholics want to see a shift. This French pilgrim says she hopes the new pope will reconsider the church's position on condoms. In Spain many of the faithful were more positive. "I think it is a great choice." "A little younger would have been better."

In Italy, dancing in St. Peter's Square and congratulations all around. Paolo, a souvenir seller, says it's a great joy. "I'm used to seeing him pass and nod to me. A great pope. For sure he'll be a great pope."

Many Catholics around the world believe the decision was ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit, they say, can't be wrong.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: Benedict XVI is the first from Germany in almost a full millennium. He hails from a village in Bavaria

CNN's Chris Burns is in the Bavarian capital of Munich with some reaction from there. Chris?

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Miles, the bells ringing here at the Palankillsha (ph) where the church where the cardinal was preaching for years. It was in this area where he began as you say. He was born in the alpine foothills south of Munich, son of a policeman. A family, a long tradition of farming family. Very conservative. He rose up here. He studied theology at the University of Munich. He became a priest in 1951. He went on and taught in a number of cities in Germany where some of his former students say he was quite willing to speak of everything from Voodoo to Franz Kafka. So he was very open to discussion. Then he became a cardinal and went over in 1982 to the Vatican where he became the watchdog of the church policies.

That's where he earned that title God's Rottweiler and that's now why there is quite a bit of criticism today among Catholics in Germany. We saw jubilation in his hometown and his birth place in Martl-Am-Inn, where he was born in 1927 but that jubilation was not held by all Catholics here. If you think about what poll recently released where more than a third of those asked in Germany felt that they opposed this Cardinal Ratzinger becoming pope. Less than a third supported him. That's what he's up against. I talked to a gentleman coming out of church where he said, really, I'm proud he's a German but I would like to see him reform this church. Miles?

O'BRIEN: Chris, of course, given the pope's age, his formative years during the tyranny of Nazi Germany when every child had to participate in the Hitler Youth, he did and ultimately rebelled against Nazi Germany, what's the affect on how this affected his personality and character?

BURNS: Well, Miles: this is really an issue that's not really in the papers here. Everyone pretty much accepted what he wrote a few years ago laying it out on the table saying, yes, I am among plenty of other Germans that age during the war. He was 16 at the time. He was required to go into the Hitler Youth. He got out as quickly as he can. And then he was drafted and he was made an assistant to an anti- aircraft battery that was defending a BMW plant here in the area. He got out of that as quickly as possible and he deserted from the army and was captured by the Americans shortly at the end of the war. So really he feels that he's atoned and that's really what Jewish groups say, as well, Miles.

O'BRIEN: All right. Thank you very much. Chris Burns in Munich. Kyra.

PHILLIPS: Earlier on there was talk about possibly electing an African pope and the hope of African Catholics were riding on the Nigeria's Francis Arinze. CNN's Jeff Koinange is in the Nigerian capital, Lagos, to tell us whether people there are feeling disappointed. Jeff?

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Kyra. It was a mixed bag overall. But the headline said it all. Everything from "Viva il Papa," "Meet the new pope" in celebrations across the continent. In Nairobi, Kenya, impromptu celebrations on word that the new pope was indeed Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. Across Africa, even here in Nigeria, celebrations broke out and also impromptu masses. However, Nigerians express that they wanted one of their own to be the pope.

In fact, Cardinal Francis Arinze, a homegrown Nigeria, he was a frontrunner toward the end of this campaign and they wanted him to be pope but, alas, it didn't happen. Nigerians say, well, at least the continuation of policies of John Paul II will continue and they were happy with that. There was a quote from Arinze's brother in a little village in Eastern Nigeria saying the person elected is the best man for the job. It wasn't without criticism in South Africa the outspoken Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu says in his words that Pope Benedict XVI is a rigid conservative that's, quote, "out of touch with the time so criticism but overall with 120 million Roman Catholics, well, for the most part they were happy with the selection, Kyra.

PHILLIPS: And Pope John Paul II making his way to Nigeria. It will be interesting to see if this pope will make his way there. Our Jeff Koinange there live from Lagos, Nigeria.

O'BRIEN: Poverty and Protestants.

PHILLIP: Two of the church's biggest challenges for keeping the flock faithful in Latin America. We'll look at how Pope Benedict XVI might rise to the challenge just ahead.

O'BRIEN: In Arabic he's called al Baba Benedict Sadeesh Ashar (ph). The al Jazeera network carried live coverage of the new pope. We'll take you inside the Muslim world's response to the new Catholic leader.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

POPE BENEDICT XVI (through translator) (video clip): There are two contrasting feelings in my soul at this moment. From one moment I feel inadequate and an inner disquiet because of the responsibility that has been entrusted to me from the Apostle Peter towards the universal church and on the other hand I feel lively in me a profound gratitude towards God.

O'BRIEN: Pope Benedict XVI celebrating his first mass after becoming pope. Now to more international reaction to the new pontiff. In Latin America, lukewarm reaction to the news of his election. Many Catholics on that continent feel the church hierarchy in the Vatican is out of touch with the conditions on the ground there. CNN's Lucia Newman reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LUCIA NEWMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): While Catholics in the developed world ponder over issues like homosexuality and whether or not priests should remain celibate, in Latin America where almost half of the world's Catholic population lives, priorities are different. It is no coincidence that it is the birth place of liberation theology. A movement started 30 years ago among Catholics who say the church must focus on ending poverty and oppression.

Yet according to the Brazilian brother, Friar Betto (ph) the Catholic Church still faces the same dilemma in this region where every day millions wonder whether they will have enough to feed their children.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As Pope John Paul said, we have to create the globalization of solidarity, in other words, reduce the inequalities that exist between the North and the South, the rich and the poor.

NEWMAN: But many do not perceive the leaders of Latin America's Catholic Church are up to the task of using their influence to address the problems of the poor, which includes fighting exploitation and privilege. So while the church has been busy looking for new converts in Latin America millions have been abandoning ship.

And jumping into charismatic protestant sects like this one. From 70 worshippers a decade ago, some 25,000 people flood this old Bogota furniture factory every Sunday, the majority working class. As a Catholic I hear people talking about God but I only learned to live god's way when I joined the Evangelical Protestant Church, says Mauricio Rano, who joined five years ago.

During the last papacy more than 25 million Latin America Catholics deserted the church, most turning to faiths that don't forbid birth control and that they feel they have more in common with the common man. That includes African based religions that are also gaining ground in countries like Cuba.

(on camera): Latin America is clearly looking to get its could you from the Vatican to bring back the flock. But in the words of the acting president of Brazil's bishops conference, the choice of the conservative Joseph Ratzinger sends a message to the regionthat the priority is the old world and not the new. Lucia Newman, CNN, Havana.

PHILLIPS: Now for the view from Asia. CNN's Veronic Pedrosa has been tracking sentiment in the Philippines, one of the few countries in Asia with a Catholic majority.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERONICA PEDROSA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Early morning mass at Manila Cathedral and in one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia, Filipinos feel united in welcoming the new pope.

PRES. GLORIA MACPAGAL ARROYO, PHILIPPINES: I'm certain that Pope Benedict XVI will serve as a beacon leading the 1.1 billion Catholics of the world across the triumphs and trials of the millennium.

PEDROSA: Ordinary churchgoers joined in their approval of Cardinal Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're glad as people of the Catholic Church, we are very happy to have our new spiritual leader again. We hope that he can guide us as Pope John Paul did.

PEDROSA: Indeed, church officials and their congregation do not share criticisms for his conservatism. In fact, some say it is what the church needs to be back to basic Catholic teachings.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are Roman Catholic. You should have to consider the teachings of the bible so the teachings of the bible where we get our practices is conservative in nature. So it is important to be more conservative than modernized.

PEDROSA: Churchgoers the morning after the election admit they would have liked an Asian pope but they emphasize the issues rather than the person.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think we'll have to address poverty and especially what happened to Indonesia and other countries.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PEDROSA (on camera): Filipinos showed their devotion to the late Pope John Paul II for turning out for the largest ever pal mass ten years ago. For them Benedict XVI is a worthy successor. Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Veronica, you filed this piece from Manila. You're in Hong Kong. Let's talk about China and the new pope in China. PEDROSA: This is going to be a diplomatic challenge for the new pope benedict xvi as he tries to increase the Vatican's influence in the world's most populous country. While Beijinger hey have congratulated the elevation of the former Cardinal Ratzinger but issued a demand that the Vatican cut ties with Taiwan which it sees as a renegade province. The other long standing condition that it said before it will establish relations with the Vatican is that the Vatican agree not to interfere in internal affairs under the excuse of religion. In other words that the Vatican concedes authority to Beijing rather than to the pope over its flock. That created a situation where you have an underground church living under repression in China.

Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Veronica Pedrosa. Thank you.

O'BRIENS: So how is the new Holy Father being greeted in the Holy Land? His election made the front pages. Beyond the headlines, some are wondering whether he'll follow in John Paul II's footsteps. That's ahead. Also, fascinating facts about the german policeman's son who became the pope.

They await you at cnn.com. A special interactive section let's you post your comments and see how cyberworld is reacting to Benedict XVI.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Beautiful live picture of Vatican City. The election of Pope Benedict XVI received coverage in the Arab media. Media all over the world, of course. Respectful but wary was how one commentator characterized the election. Joining me now with more on the reaction to the Arab world is our senior Arab affairs editor Octavia Nasr. And Octavia, it is interesting because we were talking about how there really is no Islamic version of the pope. The way the hierarchy is there and the way Islam is divided among sects there is no such thing as pope. So I'm curious what the Islamic thinks of the way the Roman Catholic Church is organized and thinks of the pope.

OCTAVIA NASR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Looking at the way they convered the story it looks like they were very interested in the drama that was unfolding. They stayed on the story. They covered it live from the death of the pope to the funeral to the conclave and the announcement as you see here. And finally, the announcement, as you seen in Al Jazeera, the announcement of the new pope.

Now as you said in the introduction they were polite. Religion is a very taboo subject in the Arab world. Their religion and other people's religion. So they always deal with it with velvet gloves. They are very careful not to criticize. So not much criticism of this pope. They describe him of someone that will follow in the footsteps of John Paul II but you hear the words ultraconservative, conservative, fundamentalist in many, many cases.

O'BRIEN: Of course, if you thought about John Paul II and his legacy it is conservative but he had this persona which was able to bridge so many gaps including the Arab world. Tough act for follow. A pope that really truly crossed over into the Islamic world and is loved. How is the Arab world viewing Pope Benedict XVI and whether he can do the same thing.

NASR: They already have something against Pope Benedict XVI. It is a comment that he made back in 2004. Take a look at this. He said in an interview to the French magazine, "Le Figaro," in 2004, he says, identifying, and this is about Turkey joining the EU, his answer was very clear. "Identifying Turkey with Europe is a mistake. It means a means a cultural loss for economic gains. Turkey considers itself a secular state but with its Muslim foundation can attempt to create a cultural continent with its neighboring Arab countries and become the protagonist of a culture that has its own identity."

Very harsh words if you take them word by word, and of course, the Turkish media -- Look at this map. Turkey is right there in between Europe and Asia. So the country is sort of divided between Europe and Asia. It considers itself European and Asian at the same time. Now this pope is saying that Turkey is not European because he says that he thinks a continent in a cultural way and not geographic way and therefore he wants turkey to be part of the Arab world rather than Europe. So controversy already for this pope because he has books written and he makes statements and he's more known than John Paul II when he was elected pope.

O'BRIEN: It will be interesting to see how the words of a cardinal may morph in the words of a pope. It may be a different kind of statement next time around. Octavia Nasr. Thank you very much. Appreciate it

NASR: Anytime.

PHILLIPS: In Jerusalem, home to three of the world's great religions the key word is caution. Both sides are hoping the new pope will continue the policies of his predecessor. CNN's Guy Raz filed this report for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GUY RAZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The bells toll in the holy city, the Holy See's flag in Jerusalem flutters to welcome the new pontiff.

MSGR MICHAL SABBAH, LATIN PATRIARCH, JERUSALEM: There's a special link between a pope and Holy Land here because for the pope the roots are here in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Galilee.

RAZ: John Paul II galvanized that link during his visit here in 2000, visiting sites holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

(on camera): And John Paul II had the ability to be all things to all sides. For Israelis he was the sign of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation. For Palestinians, a champion of their struggle for self determination.

(voice-over): The question for both sides is whether Pope Benedict XVI will carry on John Paul's legacy.

RABII ISRAEL LAU, FORMER CHIEF RABBI, ISRAEL: He's known as a friend to the Jewish people and I hope, pray and wish him to follow the footsteps of John Paul II.

RAZ: Under John Paul's Vatican the church established diplomatic ties with Israel while pushing for Palestinian rights. But Father Peter Madros, Palestinian priest believes the new pope will be less forthright politically.

REV. PETER MADROS, LATIN PATRIARCHATE, JERUSALEM: He might have less to say or less to state or less to declare about the directly political issues but he will not spare his remarks when it comes to human rights.

RAZ: Palestinians regard the church with its moral authority as a counterweight to the United States and both sides here can look to the Vatican as a neutral arbiter untainted by political ambitions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

RAZ (on camera): Now, there are relatively few Catholics that live in the Holy Land any longer but the word of the Holy See still carries a great deal of weight and it's for that reason why both sides, both communities will be watching the papacy of Benedict XVI very closely. Kyra?

PHILLIPS: Guy Raz live from Jerusalem. Thanks.

O'BRIEN: We would like to thank all of our reporters, all around the world.

Much more coverage of the pope throughout the day.

PHILLIPS: We're going to be back with more "LIVE FROM" right after a quick break.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com