Vatican`s choice is approved by people

An overwhelming majority of &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/04/25/28014.html ' target=_blank>American Catholics approve of the selection of Pope Benedict XVI and predict that he will defend the traditional policies and beliefs of a church that many members say is out of touch with their views, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

The survey found that more than eight in 10 Roman Catholics broadly supported the selection of German Cardinal &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/mailbox/ 22/101/399/15319_Benedict.html ' target=_blank>Joseph Ratzinger to replace Pope John Paul II.

Nearly as many, 73 percent, said they were "enthusiastic" about the new pontiff, though only one in four said they were strongly enthusiastic about the choice, reports the Washington Post.