Pope Set to Make Mark on U.S. Church

Guardian Unlimited ^ | April 12, 2007 | ERIC GORSKI (AP Religion Writer)

[Frank Sheed]

Two years into his reign, Pope Benedict XVI is finally poised to make a major mark on American Catholicism with a string of key bishop appointments and important decisions about the future of U.S. seminaries and bishops' involvement in politics.

Benedict's election on April 19, 2005, shook liberals and comforted conservatives who expected a doctrinal hard-liner. So far, they have found an easier hand - and someone who has not made the United States much of a priority.

When Benedict has gained attention, it has mostly been on the world stage, focusing on the re-Christianization of Europe, Islam and mending relations with Orthodox Christians. He also has stressed universal themes of faith and reason.

``The last two years have been much quieter years as far as the papacy is concerned because you have a very different personality'' than John Paul II, said Monsignor Robert Wister, chairman of the church history department at Seton Hall University's School of Theology.

``Many Americans were surprised - some happily, some disappointed - that he did not turn into the pit bull of dogma. He is taking a very pastoral approach, and I think people resonate very positively with that.''

Yet America's turn may be coming. At the top of the list is a looming generational shift among the nation's bishops, whose decisions at the local level greatly affect Catholics in the pews and can carry national weight. For instance, church leaders recently closed parishes in Boston and New York, while the St. Louis archbishop has clashed with a heavily Polish parish over control of its assets.

Key appointments are expected in New York, Baltimore and Detroit, where cardinals have reached retirement age - 75. And retirements or appointments are likely in at least seven other archdioceses...

[sionnsar]

Well, I am nobody......

You're not hardly a nobody around here, you're not.

[tioga]

-thou does protest too much! LOL

[fanfan]

Litter boxes and bathrooms?
Me too.

Windows? ;-)

How’s everything?

[humblegunner]

Pope Set to Make Mark on U.S. Church

Comments?

Graffiti sucks no matter who paints it.

[sionnsar]

1

[sionnsar]

[fanfan]

2

[Darksheare]

That’s mean.
;-)

[Darksheare]

How much protesting could I do when I am 'owned' by this magnificent monstrosity?

[sionnsar]

Mean? Since he wasn’t going to be here I just made sure he got credit for it. What’s mean about that?

[sionnsar]

3

[Darksheare]

Oh, thought you were teasin’ him a bit.

[tioga]

LOL.....I am a dog person myself, but that is one cool kitty. ACK!

[tioga]

oops..hit post too soon.........

ACK!...IT’s gettting towards bedtime and I still have studying to do.........mmm. Decisions. I must shut off FR and concentrate........

[Darksheare]

She weighs in at 24 pounds.

And has as much attitude as she appears to have.

[tioga]

My two mutts are not much bigger.....a black cocker and a white bischon......and what a pair!

[sionnsar]

I thought THIS was NNB....

I think that was NnBob a few years back into the days of yore.

[tioga]

LOL.........where IS he today?

[sionnsar]

I must shut off FR and concentrate........

Or you could leave FR on and concentrate...?

No, maybe not.

[tioga]

I keep taking breaks every few minutes and wandering back.......Good night all.....I am shutting down.