Norris says papal choice 'truly a tragic moment'

Norris reaction: The election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has drawn a mixed response from Irish public figures. Prominent Catholics broadly welcomed his appointment, although some said they would have preferred a pope from the developing world.

However, Senator David Norris launched a furious attack on the new pontiff, accusing him of having a "questionable history" through his membership of the Hitler Youth in the 1940s. Mr Norris said he wished the Catholic Church well and hoped a "miracle" would now take place.

"However, this is truly a tragic moment, that one who has been so vitriolic and so firm in persecuting those with whom he does not agree, should be elected pope," said Mr Norris.

He disputed assertions by Cardinal Ratzinger's biographer and others that membership of the Hitler Youth was compulsory. He said he had checked with the German embassy in Dublin yesterday and it had confirmed young Germans were not obliged to join the fascist organisation during the second World War.

"This was a body which persecuted gay people and one which would have made sure that someone like me died a very unpleasant death. People who believe in honest dissent will feel quite isolated by this choice.

"This papacy will do nothing to heal the alienation that has arisen within the Catholic Church. I can't feel anything but sad about this. I'm just glad it's not my church," said Mr Norris, who is a member of the Church of Ireland.

Former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon expressed delight with the choice of Cardinal Ratzinger. "This is a statement that the church will be in safe hands following the wonderful pontificate of Pope John Paul II.

"When I met Cardinal Ratzinger in Rome I was taken by his humility and his clear insights. He is a warm and gentle person to speak with. I am sure that he will be a great pope."

Former Fine Gael MEP Mary Banotti said she "wasn't sure" he had much to offer Africa, where there were huge needs. Her preference would have been for a pope from the developing world.

Theologian Gina Menzies hoped women would be included more in the dialogue about the future of the church.