hard-line Pope?

I have been reading some accounts about Pope Benedict XVI. I find it interesting when I see news organizations use the adjective, “hard-line,” in describing him. I have no idea what that could mean in this context. I would describe the Pope as a “normal” Roman Catholic. This is a person who is faithful to the teachings of his Church. A Church that includes in these teachings that the bishops elect a man who is the one God would choose. Then, according to this logic, all you are really saying is God is “hard-line” if you want to describe Benedict this way. That’s fine to say but let’s be clear about it. To those outside the Roman Catholic Church, the Church doctrine may appear “hard-line," but they aren’t bound to those teachings.

To those within the Roman Catholic Church, “hard-line” doesn’t have meaning because the Pope is the “Vicar of Christ,” represents Jesus, and so you are faithful to him as you are to Jesus. If you disagree with this then you disagree with the Roman Catholic doctrine. You can either choose a different Church body to connect with or be faithful to the teachings of your Roman Catholic Church. Either way, no one forced you to become Catholic and no one is forcing you to stay in this Church. If you choose to stay, and follow Roman Catholic doctrine, you are normal, not hard-line. If you wish to work to change the Roman Catholic doctrine from within, you are working to reform the normal teachings.