The stream of white smoke that puffed from the Sistine Chapel Tuesday signaled the election of the 265th pope and a new era for the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger emerged as Benedict XVI and the leader of 1 billion Catholics — as well as a figure whose papacy will have ramifications for the entire world.

We do not fault Pope Benedict for his ideological positions. However, we share some concerns with many Catholics at Northwestern and elsewhere who worry about the new pope’s reputation as a strict doctrinarian. What consequences will his fight against “conformity” have for Christians and people of different faiths?

Many young Catholics, for example, do not share the new pope’s views on contraception, homosexuality, priestly celibacy and a variety of other issues. The Catholic Church has long had a wide ideological spectrum, and we worry that a further drift to the right will narrow its ranks.

While Benedict may gain a more orthodox flock if disaffected Catholics leave, his influence beyond the Church may wane.

Pope John Paul II used his position to invigorate young Catholics and make unprecedented strides toward reconciliation with other faiths and Christian denominations — all while holding fast his ideological opinions. In his first papal mass yesterday, Benedict vowed to carry on in that tradition. We sincerely hope he does.

Just as the late pope fought totalitarianism and poverty, Benedict can make great strides in improving the lives of the beleaguered. But we also hope ideological stances will not give the impression to many young Catholics that their pope does not want them.