Initially, I was pleased with the election of Pope Benedict, but I never expected to experience such joyous anticipation. With every hour my heart overflows into a smile and a song.

I've read the forecasts of this papacy as a continuation of JP2's papacy ("more of the same"), but I think that this new pontificate may surprise us all.

All over the world, the prayers and hopes of the Catholic world centered on the conclave. Each of us, regardless of our political persuasion, was hoping that the Holy Spirit would inspire the Cardinals in their selection of a new pontiff. Undoubtably, he did so ... and none of us can know quite what the future holds.

My guess is that Pope Benedict is himself an example of the Catholic creativity that he seeks to promote. He will likely bring innovative approaches to the challenges that our church confronts.

After all, look to his namesake.