The new pope knows that the object of faith for the Christian is not the pope, but Jesus Christ, writes Eamon Conway
A two-thirds majority of the cardinal electors have decided that Joseph Ratzinger is the best man to lead the Catholic Church for the next number of years.
No doubt many devout Catholics are delighted. They perceive Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, as the quintessential "safe pair of hands", just the right person to steer the barque of Peter through all the dangerous currents that threaten to knock her off course and imperil her mission.
Many equally devout Catholics will be disappointed, and perhaps even devastated. They had hoped for what they see as badly needed change and reform in the Church. This morning, Catholics who were just about "hanging in there" may even be asking themselves if they should walk away.
That his election has already evoked such strong and opposing reactions is a sign that he inherits responsibility for a Church that is deeply divided, and that he personally, perhaps somewhat unfairly, carries serious baggage.
The great defender of the Church's faith has now been elected as Pontifex, the Church's supreme bridge builder. We owe it to him to give him the chance to make this transition to what is a new and unenviable role and responsibility.
When John XXIII was elected, many people welcomed what they expected to be a restful period to assimilate the teaching of Pius XII. It turned out to be a most unexpected "new Pentecost" for the Church. In theory,the same could happen with Benedict XVI, and this should not be ruled out.
On the face of it, however, a vote for Cardinal Ratzinger was a vote for strong and familiar leadership. It would seem like a decision to put serious reform of the Church into a holding pattern.
For example, we can hardly expect much reform with regard to structures of ministry. Similarly, it is unlikely that we will see much decentralisation in the Church or a more collegial approach to decision-making.
At the same time, no doubt over the last few days no doubt cardinals voiced many of their concerns about the way, for example, that synods of bishops have been conducted over the last few years, and the new Holy Father might well decide that he has to take their concerns on board.
In addition, it was clear from the moment that Pope Benedict XVI walked onto the balcony that he is in many ways much more shy than John Paul II, and this could be a good thing. He might well be quite happy to allow local bishops and Church leaders to assume their proper leadership role and be the public face of the Church in their own dioceses in a way that was not as possible with a pope who was as charismatic as John Paul II.
Many of us would think that under John Paul's pontificate the proper function of the papacy has been overestimated. The world has been left with the impression that the pope must be the Church's greatest politician, its most charismatic communicator, its most prophetic voice. But the object of faith for the Christian is not the pope, but Jesus Christ.
In this regard, Joseph Ratzinger's appointment may turn out to be a particular blessing for the Church. He is known to be a very humble and unassuming man. He is also a formidable and gifted theologian, so he knows that popes are not always the holiest people in the Church. Neither are they its most important members.
Those who live the Gospel as faithfully as they can in the quiet solitude and patience of their everyday lives are the Church's true luminaries. Once the excitement of the election and inauguration dies down, we will each have to face back into living the Gospel as faithfully as we can.
Dr Eamonn Conway is head of the department of Theology & Religious Studies at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.