New Pope Needs Strong Faith, Charisma

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Alabama Archbishop Thomas Rodi says the next Pope needs to be a man who can revitalize faith throughout the world.

The Cardinals of the Catholic church must choose a new leader for their church, following the resignation of Benedict XVI on February 28.

Reached in Auburn, Ala., Archbishop Rodi told FOX10 News anchor Bob Grip, "There would be so many qualities that would be a real blessing to the Church".

"First and foremost, to be a holy man of strong faith that is deeply rooted in a love of Jesus.  At the same time, someone who would really teach the Gospel message of Jesus effectively, and would have the charisma that would just show the joyful peace that faith in Jesus brings," said Rodi.

He continued, "Someone who would understand the pastoral needs of the people of the Church, especially the desire to have holy priests, and would be concerned for divorced members of the Church, and someone who could both call the 'First World' countries back to a faith in God and can reach out to the growing Church in the developing world."

The Church's Cardinals are starting to come to Vatican City to begin the task of electing a new Pope.  According to the Catholic News Service , the average age of the Cardinals is almost 72.  Pope John Paul II was 58 when he was elected.  Pope Benedict was 78 when he was selected.

When asked whether the next Pope should be younger, Rodi replied, "It’s obviously going to have to be the man who would have the stamina to be able to fulfill the role of Peter…the leader of the Church.  There are definitely physical demands.  It don’t know what age that would be.  It’s more the individual, than it is the age."