"The new Pope Benedict XVI (78) - a hardline German conservative Cardinal, former member of the Hitler Youth and close friend of Pope John Paul the second was elected today to lead the Catholic Church
One of his first campaigns was against liberation theology, which had gained ground among priests in Latin America and elsewhere as a means of involving the Church in social activism and human rights issues.
He has described homosexuality as a "tendency" towards an "intrinsic moral evil". During the US election campaign, he called for pro-choice politicians to be denied Communion.
He has also argued that Turkey should not be admitted into the European Union.
At the age of 14, he joined the Hitler Youth, as was required of young Germans of the time, but was not an enthusiastic member.
His studies at Traunstein seminary were interrupted during World War II when he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit in Munich.
He deserted the German army towards the end of the war and was briefly held as a prisoner of war by the Allies in 1945.
The eighth German to become Pope, he speaks 10 languages and is said to be an accomplished pianist with a preference for Beethoven. "
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