Conservative German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has become pope Benedict XVI. So, tradition and continuity prevailed. Ratzinger is a divisive figure, but then he is an old man, 78 years old, and his papacy will not likely last more than few years - and who knows, he may, now as he has been elected, see it wise to take a small turn towards the centre - and the cardinals can then heal any wounds caused by his reign - if needed - by electing a more liberal successor.