Cardinal Ratzinger was described as "gentle"

The 78-year-old German has taken the name Pope Benedict XVI.

He was chosen in the third round of votes by the 115 cardinals meeting to select Pope John Paul II's successor.

Archbishop Burke, who is also the President of the Council of Bishops of the Caribbean said while he was "surprised that they chose an older person", he feels that Cardinal Ratzinger is the right man for the job.

"The few times that I have met him I have found that contrary to the image that he has of being a bully and overwhelming I found him always to be a very gentle person," Archbishop Burke said.

He will not be manipulated by factions in the church   Archbishop Lawrence Burke

The Archbishop said he is "encouraged to think that because he's such a strong person, he will not be manipulated by factions in the church but that he will listen well and make his own decisions for the church."

Traditional

The BBC's Ray Furlong in Berlin says Cardinal Ratzinger's election as Pope will generate amazement and enthusiasm in Germany as well as concern among those who had hoped for a more liberal pontiff.

A close friend and confidante of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI is also known as a fellow conservative.

For more that 20 years he was head of the congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican - the Vatican's guardian of orthodoxy.

Archbishop Burke believes Cardinal Ratzinger's years of service and his association with the last Pope will work in his favour. He said, "because he has served with the former Pope for such a long time he is properly able to hit the streets running."

The BBC's William Horsley in Rome says his papacy is sure to continue John Paul II's strongly traditional interpretation of the Catholic faith, including opposition to abortion, homosexuality, priestly marriage and women priests.

For Archbishop Burke, "we not concerned about conservatives and liberals, we are concerned about proclaiming the gospel."

There have been similar messages of support for the new pope from the rest of the Caribbean.