By By RANDI K. PICKLEY / Niles Daily Star
NILES - When the new pope was announced yesterday, people all over Niles took note. Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany became Pope Benedict XVI. Various residents of Niles gave their opinions on this worldwide event.
Beverly Cole, owner of "The Tavern" in Niles, was in the next-door garden she tends. From what she had heard about Pope John Paul II, "he stuck with what he thought was right. I don't know, the new pope will probably have to make some changes. I can't understand the birth control policy. You can't have five, six, or seven kids anymore, unless you're wealthy. I watched the history channel when Pope John Paul II died. It told the history of all the popes. There have been quite a few. I hope this one will be good."
Father Peltz, pastor at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Niles referred to the children at St. Mary's School and to children worldwide when he said, "This is an important day for the young people in the church. They have never known any pope but John Paul II."
Students at St. Mary's School dropped everything when the announcement of the new pope's election was aired on television.
Sister Regina Ciuka, C.S.C., a second grade teacher at St. Mary's said, "It feels great to have a pope, someone to look up to. He's written a lot of things. I'd like to read more about his life."
Looking at the election from a child's perspective, one of the second graders at the school exclaimed, "Isn't the pope lucky. He gets to have a birthday on Saturday," according to Sister Regina.
Lisa Rubenthaler, a third grade teacher at St. Mary's, said, "I believe he'll keep some things the same. He will carry on Pope John Paul II's traditions. As far as how he'll lead the church, I don't know, but he will probably be like John Paul II."
Sparky Zechlin of Niles said, "I suppose the new pope will be great, whatever the man may be like. I'll say this: the pope is one of the most powerful people in the world. He could have a big effect over the world."
Chuck Luker of Michiana Landscape said, "We need a new pope, obviously. They were looking at one from Europe or one from Africa, I think. I'm just glad it's over with."
Outside St. Mary's School, Lee Holcomb was picking up his grandson. "I'm not Catholic," he said. "But my grandson and son-in-law are. I think the selection is significant. The church is trying to regain the power they had in Europe. The new pope is conservative. So am I. His age is of a little concern. I guess it's a good selection, or maybe God selected him."