A NEWTON priest is looking to the future for catholics across the globe after the Vatican appointed Pope Benedict XVI last week.

Father Vincent Fedigan, joint parish priest at St Mary and St John RC Church, on Park Road South, and St David's Church, on Common Road, offered support to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, successor to the late John Paul II.

Speaking to the Newton and Golborne Guardian, Father Fedigan said: "It's a good appointment. He will probably continue in the same vein as his predecessor and although he has been viewed by some as too conservative. This is no great problem in the modern world.

"I believe the next 10 years will be a transitional time which will see a moral shift in the church which will be firmly led by the new Pope."

The 78 year-old, who was inaugurated at St Peter's Basilica on Sunday, is known for his conservative views and opposition to abortion, homosexuality and contraception.

He is the 265th papal leader and the first German to be appointed to the role since the 11th Century.