U.S. Catholics React to New Pope

CHICAGO, April 19, 2005 — -- Among America's 65 million Catholics, reaction was mixed regarding the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany as the next pope.

Traditional Catholics were excited by the choice of a religious leader who spoke out against abortion and homosexuality and who championed dogma in an age of doubt.

"He is unquestionably a man who understands not only the tradition of our church, but he understands our world," said the Rev. Dan Mayall, pastor of Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral.

Even critics of the church and its response to pedophile priests saw reasons for hope.

"Vatican observers call him the papal enforcer and God's rottweiler," said Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "And if he brings that attitude to the sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church, we believe that will be a good thing."

Dampened Hopes for Liberal Approach

But that very reputation has dampened the hopes of some Catholics for a more liberal approach to issues, such as celibacy or women in the clergy, which might address the critical shortage of priests.

"I think that the problems facing the American church are going to deepen under this pope," said Linda Pieczynski, spokeswoman for Call to Action, the nation's largest church reform group.

Others said they plan to give the new pope a chance.

"We have to wait," said Richard McBrien, a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame. "We have to give this new pope time to see what course he really is going to take."

As one Catholic monsignor told ABC News: We know the "who" -- the "what" has yet to unfold.

ABC News' Dean Reynolds filed this report for "World News Tonight."