- Jul 2, 2003
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15003155^2703,00.html
Nazi link may dog favourite
Justin Sparks and John Follain
April 18, 2005
THE wartime past of the leading conservative contender to succeed John Paul II may return to haunt him as cardinals begin voting in the Sistine Chapel today.
German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger – whose strong defence of Catholic orthodoxy has earned him sobriquets including "the enforcer", "the panzer cardinal" and "God's rottweiler" – is expected to poll about 40 votes in the first ballot as conservatives rally behind him.
Unknown to many members of the church, however, Ratzinger's past includes brief membership of the Hitler Youth movement and wartime service with a German army anti-aircraft unit.
Nazi link may dog favourite
Justin Sparks and John Follain
April 18, 2005
THE wartime past of the leading conservative contender to succeed John Paul II may return to haunt him as cardinals begin voting in the Sistine Chapel today.
German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger – whose strong defence of Catholic orthodoxy has earned him sobriquets including "the enforcer", "the panzer cardinal" and "God's rottweiler" – is expected to poll about 40 votes in the first ballot as conservatives rally behind him.
Unknown to many members of the church, however, Ratzinger's past includes brief membership of the Hitler Youth movement and wartime service with a German army anti-aircraft unit.