[IrishBrigade]

‘baggage’ is related to the temporal role of the Papacy. A lot of the issues our non-Catholic brethren have is with actions that happened in the 14th century.

...I found your usage of the term ‘baggage’ interesting in your context...that of the next Pope jettisoning it, as if it’s strictly the Church’s to get rid of...and your equation of baggage to ‘issues with non-Catholic brethren’ would seem to cut both ways, would it not?

...my major concern is to avoid further deemphasis of the Deposit of Faith in the name of ‘improved earthly relations’ with those who willingly snubbed the Church..though please understand I am not saying your post suggests any such thing...

[Cronos]

and your equation of baggage to ‘issues with non-Catholic brethren’ would seem to cut both ways, would it not?

YES.

I'm irritated when non-Catholics bring up some schtick from the 1700s to beat me over the head today -- I can toss muck from the 1800s too if they want, but it gets us nowhere.

the tossing of baggage needs to be on both sides

The problem was that no one was willing to make the first move

The greatness of Pope JP II and Pope Benedict was that they were brave enough to do it and the rewards especially in terms of closer relationship with the Orthodox has been wonderful

[Cronos]

.my major concern is to avoid further deemphasis of the Deposit of Faith in the name of ‘improved earthly relations’ with those who willingly snubbed the Church.

a valid concern and Pope Benedict has done nothing of the sort.