Ratzinger begins

Benedict said his first job was to unify all Christians, but also said he was committed to "open and sincere dialogue" with followers of other religions.

That really brings joy to my heart. Unite us!

And what of his background?

Pope Benedict XVI, who is the oldest man to become pope for more than a century,
was born in 1927 into a traditional farming family in Bavaria, Germany, although
his father was a policeman.
The future pope's studies at seminary were
interrupted by World War II and his supporters say that his experiences under
the Nazi regime convinced him that the Church had to stand up for truth and
freedom.

Nice.

The BBC's William Horsley in Rome says his papacy is sure to continue John Paul
II's strongly traditional interpretation of the Catholic faith, including
opposition to abortion, homosexuality, priestly marriage and women priests.

That's what I like to see.