Conclave Choosing Pope to Face New Issues ~~ AP ~~ April 3, 2005

Las Vegas Sun ^ | April 03, 2005 at 13:31:12 PDT | BRIAN MURPHY ASSOCIATED PRESS

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

VATICAN CITY (AP) -

0403dv-pope-usa The last time the College of Cardinals gathered to select a pope, the Cold War dominated the globe, non-European voices in the church were weak and unfocused and dialogue with other faiths was left to second-tier envoys. None of that is true today.

When the cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel this month, the questions and priorities considered in selecting the successor of Pope John Paul II will reflect 26 years of profound shifts: the rising influence of African and Latin America clergy, greater pressure to allow married priests after damaging sex scandals and hopes for Vatican leadership in critical outreach between the West and the Muslim world.

These factors - and other internal pressures more difficult to predict - must eventually translate into a name written on the paper ballots used by the cardinals. How quickly a new pontiff emerges will likely be a sign of which issues take prominence in the secret selection process.

During the last conclave in 1978, the worries were largely about communism smothering religion. Now the church must concern itself with how to coexist with Islam and confront radical strains that vilify the West and inspire terrorism.

"The next pope must deal with this in the same way that John Paul II used his authority to help bring down the Berlin Wall," said John Voll, director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. "The (late) pope brought the papacy onto the geopolitical stage. It cannot retreat."

John Paul set impressive standards. He made unprecedented strides in opening contacts with other Christians, Jews and Muslims, including the first papal to visit a mosque - during a visit to Syria in 2001.

A cardinal considered particularly sensitive to Islamic concerns is Francis Arinze of Nigeria, a nation where clashes between Christian and Muslims have claimed thousands of lives since the late 1990s. But Arinze would force a huge leap: the first African pope in modern times.

Cardinal Godfried Danneels of Belgium also is seen as having a deft diplomatic touch needed for interfaith talks and sensitive issues such as Catholic missionaries in Muslim areas and Islamic rebels in mostly Catholic Philippines, but his liberal-minded views could alarm some conservative cardinals.

Another brand of faith on another continent - Protestant groups and non-denominational evangelicals across Latin America - could also warrant extensive attention during the conclave. For decades, the competition for followers has intensified with Catholic leaders often the losers to more spirited and socially active rivals.

In 2003, John Paul urged members of the Vatican commission for Latin America to fight "the insidious problem of sects" eroding the 500-year-old Catholic traditions in the region. The Italian head of the commission, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, has been mentioned as a possible papal candidate.

Three Latin American prelates - Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes and Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras and Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina - also have developed reputations as strong advocates for greater poverty-fighting programs and activism to counter the popularity of the evangelical churches.

Rodriguez also said the conclave cannot ignore the timely debate over medical ethics, which grabbed the world's attention through the "grotesque spectacle" of the slow death of Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged Florida woman whose feeding tube was removed.

"The challenge for the new pope will be the ethical-medical discussions about genetic manipulation and the attempt to clone a human being," Rodriguez said during a Mass in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa.

Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, also has Italian ancestry, which could become an important compromise point if cardinals are struggling over whether to maintain a non-Italian papacy or return to its traditional roots.

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, the archbishop of Milan, is considered a possible contender if the papacy goes to an Italian. There could be a sentimental pull since his predecessor, 78-year-old Cardinal Carlo Martini, was once highly touted as a possible papal candidate, but retired in 2002 and is now generally considered too old - and too liberal - for serious consideration.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who heads a powerful Vatican panel that watches over doctrine, is also mentioned as a possible "transitional" pope who would adhere closely to John Paul II's conservative views.

John Paul appointed all but three of the cardinals under 80 years old, the cutoff for participation in the conclave. But that doesn't ensure the new pope will carry on his outlook, some experts believe.

"I don't think you'll see a clone of the pope," said the Rev. Michael Fahey, a theologian at Marquette University who studies papal elections. "There are a lot of independent opinions from those who want a different emphasis by the Vatican."

High on the list could be greater sensitivity to the fallout from priest sex scandals that have battered the church in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. John Paul effectively closed the door on easing rules for priestly celibacy, which some Vatican critics consider a major obstacle to encouraging vocations.

Celibacy is a deeply rooted tradition in the church, but not an issue of immutable doctrine. In 1980, the late pope allowed married Episcopal clergy to join the Catholic Church and serve as priests. Married priests are common among Eastern Rite Catholics, which follow many Orthodox traditions but are loyal to the Vatican.

Liberal cardinals, however, may seek a pope willing to tackle more immediate concerns: possible greater roles for non-ordained deacons and participation of women in parish affairs. In a small, but highly visible, concession to liberals, John Paul II permitted altar girls and women - a widespread practice in the United States and some parts of Europe.

"The last thing they would want, for example, is a pope who would decide to get rid of altar girls," wrote the Rev. Thomas Reese, editor of America, a weekly Catholic magazine based in New York. "The American cardinals would also want someone who understands and supports what they are doing to deal with the sexual abuse crisis."

American cardinals also are at the forefront of appeals for more autonomy to run local affairs. There is almost no chance for an American pope, but the 11 U.S. cardinals could have important sway over the outcome.

"There is a strong desire for the church to be less centralized," said Lahey. "This will definitely play a role in the papal discussions."

But if it becomes a strong demand, it could hurt the papal chances for Vatican-based cardinals such as Arinze and Cardinal Walter Kasper of Germany, who runs the Vatican's commission on Christian unity.

Other issues that could influence the conclave include calls for reviewing the opposition to artificial birth control and use of condom use to prevent AIDS.

"John Paul II was the pope of the end of the postwar era," said Orazio Petrosillo, who covered the pope for Rome's Il Messaggero newspaper. "The new pope must address our modern world."

--

[headsonpikes]

I hope they consider Fr. Guido Sarducci for the big hat!

[headsonpikes]

Oops! - here's a link about Sarducci.

http://home.earthlink.net/~sarasohn/aboutgs.html

[anniegetyourgun]

Oh puny man....goes about specutlating and making his plans. Meanwhile, God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes.

[jolie560]

I hope that Catholics will have the integrity and courage to stand up for:
(1) Not Appeasing Islam,
(2) Not Appeasing Peace-Niks,
(3) Not Appeasing same-sex Marriage,
(4) Not Lurching into an EU-mentality.

[Cicero]

The MSM are about the last people in the world to understand the process of choosing a pope.

[Dog Gone]

"The (late) pope brought the papacy onto the geopolitical stage. It cannot retreat."

I wish it would.

While there's no questioning the fact that Pope John Paul II helped to fuel the anti-Soviet sentiments in eastern europe in the 1980's, the geopolitical influence of the Vatican this century has not been helpful to the cause of democracy and freedom around the world. It's been profoundly socialist, pacifist, in perfect harmony with the views of Jacques Chirac.

Retreating from the geopolitical scene and focusing on running the Church would be a huge improvement, in my opinion.

[tiredoflaundry]

If you want to make God laugh, just tell Him your "plans".
:-)

[anniegetyourgun]

Heaven knows I've tried it!

[NYer]

Oh boy ... so many issues ... where to begin?

Now the church must concern itself with how to coexist with Islam and confront radical strains that vilify the West and inspire terrorism.

Here is one case for electing an Eastern Catholic Cardinal.

His Beatitude Mar Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch was recently invited by President George W. Bush, to discuss the situation in Lebanon. Patriarch Sfeir is recognized by many world leaders as a man who can bridge the gap between Christian and Muslim. He has NO enemies. However, at 84 years of age, he is an unlikely candidate for the papacy.

A cardinal considered particularly sensitive to Islamic concerns is Francis Arinze of Nigeria, a nation where clashes between Christian and Muslims have claimed thousands of lives since the late 1990s. But Arinze would force a huge leap: the first African pope in modern times.

Francis Cardinal Arinze is well respected in the Catholic Church for his authentic catholic teachings. As Prefect of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, he has maintained a steady hand on the rudder of the Catholic Church.

Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires, also has Italian ancestry, which could become an important compromise point if cardinals are struggling over whether to maintain a non-Italian papacy or return to its traditional roots.

It is worth noting that the pontiff, whoever that may be, also serves as Bishop of Rome. During his 26+ years, JPII visited each and everyone of the 900 Churches of Rome. The ability to communicate in Italian is surely a pre-requisite.

John Paul appointed all but three of the cardinals under 80 years old, the cutoff for participation in the conclave. But that doesn't ensure the new pope will carry on his outlook, some experts believe.

Roger Cardinal Mahony, was appointed under JPII. He is a classic example of someone with diametrically opposed views.

Celibacy is a deeply rooted tradition in the church, but not an issue of immutable doctrine. In 1980, the late pope allowed married Episcopal clergy to join the Catholic Church and serve as priests. Married priests are common among Eastern Rite Catholics, which follow many Orthodox traditions but are loyal to the Vatican.

This is true and there are 2 camps on this issue. From all that I have read, the US seminaries are now filling up with young men who embrace celibacy. As a point of information, the Eastern Catholic Churches allowed for a married clergy but that decision must be made prior to taking vows. Furthermore, those who are married may not leave their homeland, nor can they be elevated to bishop, nor can they remarry should their spouse die.

"There is a strong desire for the church to be less centralized," said Lahey. "This will definitely play a role in the papal discussions."

I heard a caller to a talk radio show put forth this concept today and was appalled. The next caller was a psychologist who cited 'central governance' as a unifying factor and necessary to sustaining the church.

There is an old expression in the Catholic Church. "He who enters (the Conclave) Pope, emerges Cardinal". Ultimately, 1.1 billion catholics will join their prayers with the Cardinals and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them in the selection.

Catholic Ping
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

and all the East.

[Bombardier]

Personally, I would like to see an Eastern Catholic Pope. If it would help return the communion between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, that would be a good development. Further, it would serve to strengthen the Church by bringing us back to our roots in that region of the world.

Of course, an Irish Pope would suit me fine, too....

[ndkos]

On the local news here they interviewed the campus priest who was wearing a sweatshirt and looked very unprofessional. Not that I expected anything else. He said that the issue of "contraceptives" will be an important issue for the next Pope to consider. Hmmm...I I think a more important issue will be excommunicating or correcting the heretical or misguided priests.

I've been looking at the major candidates fot the past day and I like Scola of Venice. His drawbacks is that he is relatively young (64 I think). He is supposed to be very conservative, and comes across as friendly and very knowledgable. Remember that 102 years ago St. Pius X was elected as the Partriarch of Venice. He also has ties to Opus Dei. I know many people don't like them saying they are a secret sect or something, but I have noticed that most of the detractors are liberal Catholics who probably read the da Vinci Code.

John Allen of the NCR also says Scola was friends with some of the people who have some reservations about Vatican II. I would say I would agree that I feel that same way (but only about its failures as a pastoral council).

[Jaded]

American cardinals also are at the forefront of appeals for more autonomy to run local affairs. There is almost no chance for an American pope, but the 11 U.S. cardinals could have important sway over the outcome.

"There is a strong desire for the church to be less centralized," said Lahey. "This will definitely play a role in the papal discussions."

Ah yes, the American Cardinals would like to be more autonomous and, er, more slightly less than Catholic. Can you just guess who runs that side show? I personally have no desire to see the 'First Church of Cardinal Mahoney/Catholic Really Really Lite & Wobbly'. Or McCarrick for that matter.

[Jaded]

Then apparently Franklin Graham is on the same page. Well, at least with respect to war. I haven't heard him criticized.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

John Loftus-and his impeccable sources-has ruled out Cardinal Ratzinger, which can only mean one thing...

He will win unanimous approval from the College of Cardinals.

:)

[ndkos]

The good news is that an American will almost certainly not be elected Pope. But more on Scola, from NPR. He sounds very papabile to me, and looks like he would be a good one too. Hopefully he also is good at stopping liturgical abuses in his diocese.

Angelo Scola (Italy, 11/7/1941). Patriarch of Venice. Ordained at 28, Scola became a cardinal in 2003. Polished and approachable, Scola is considered an intellectual: He studied at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and speaks fluent English, as well as several other languages. His particular interest is bioethics and the "culture of life," and he could be expected to be a vigorous advocate of conservative church teachings in that area. Scola told CNN in 2003 that the main challenge to the church is the "fracture" between the church and contemporary culture: "It's very difficult to determine whether this is the fault of the world that has abandoned the church, or the church that does not know how to relate to the world." Allen suggests that Scola is a strong candidate.

[ndkos]

Unamimous except for Kasper you mean. Kasper has publically sparred with Ratzinger more than once before (and of course Ratzinger was completely right).

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Scola told CNN in 2003 that the main challenge to the church is the "fracture" between the church and contemporary culture:

I wonder how much agreement there is in the conclave as to what the major challenge to the church is?

[NYer]

It is an irony of history that Pope John XXIII won the election to the Papacy by a small margin over the Armenian Patriarch, Cardinal Gregory Peter Agajanian XV. We nearly had an Eastern Catholic Pope in the 1960s. THE FIVE 'ECUMENICAL' PATRIARCHATES. However, since the conclave is secret, there is no way to verify the author's claims. But there has been renewed talk of an Eastern Rite cardinal being elected as Pope. It is a possibility.

[SaltyJoe]

I'm not sure what you mean by EU mentality unless it means liberalism, socialism, and tolerance to evil.

Otherwise, I think you're safe from the list you provided. In spite of whomever may be the next Pope, we will aways have our souls challenged to remain obedient. Christ always challenged his disciples and even told them when they would fail.

Keep in mind the mission to guide ALL souls to Heaven and we will understand the Catholic mentality of its mission to all souls. Thus, when a Pope declares a war not meeting the requirements of a "just war" doctrine, the Holy Father seeks to shepherd those poor souls trapped in an absolute tyranny. (since I won't go into a long history of armed conflicts, it's safe to say that most wars have been ruled as not meeting the "just war" doctrine)