Duitse kardinaal Ratzinger gekozen als paus Benedictus XVI (en)

German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected as the new leader of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics, taking the name Pope Benedict XVI.

A staunch supporter of his predecessor, John Paul II, the new pontif has met with worldwide joy and apprehension in equal measures.

A conclave of 115 cardinal-electors from 52 countries made the decision in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel on Tuesday (19 April), in their fourth ballot.

Pope Benedict XVI (78) is the oldest man to become pope for more than a century.

Born in Bavaria and previously serving as Archbishop in Munich, he is the first German pontiff in 482 years.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Cardinal Ratzinger was a renowned theologian and that his election was an honour for Germany, according to the BBC.

But other Germans were less enthusiastic.

The head of Germany's national "Kirche von Unten" (Church from Below) group, Bernd Goehring, dubbed Ratzinger's election a catastrophe.

"I think that even more people will turn their backs on the church," he said to Deutsche Welle.

A recent opinion poll in Der Spiegel showed a third of Germans did not want Cardinal Ratzinger to be elected.

The Financial Times points out that Cardinal Ratzinger had also taken a controversial stance on EU affairs in the past, declaring that Turkey should not join the union.

Our Pope - New Pope

Polish newsreaders still made a distinction between the "new Pope" and "our Pope", as they announced the election of the successor of their late national hero.

But several Polish analysts and public figures expressed satisfaction that Cardinal Ratzinger would represent a continuation of John Paul II's policies.

"This is a good choice. He will continue the mission of our dear Pope," said Lech Walesa, the former president and leader of the Solidarity movement.