Posted on 02/22/2007 11:46:03 PM PST by Zetman
Joseph Ratzinger and Carlo Maria Martini were once considered the two great heavyweights of the College of Cardinals. Ratzinger has, of course, gone on to become Benedict XVI while Martini has long since stepped down as Archbishop of Milan. But their sometimes clashing views on doctrine are more relevant than ever to the future of the Catholic Church.
The Pope has confirmed the Vatican's strictly traditional party line on questions of doctrine and moral theology. But his more progressive counterpart, the former Archbishop, has hardly disappeared. Officially, having stepped down from his Milan post in 2003 after reaching the prescribed retirement age of 75, Martini should be enjoying a quiet, scholarly retirement with his biblical studies in Jerusalem. Still, most Church insiders say the Jesuit Cardinal, who turned 80 on Saturday, remains the single most influential Catholic leader challenging Rome's rigid-as-ever stances on moral issues.
(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...
This is interesting, Ratzinger vs. Martini: the clash of the 80 year old titans. It has an almost Luke Skywalker/Darth Vader feel to it. This article claims that Martini actually got a fair number of votes in the early part of the last Conclave. I thank God that Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope instead of Martini. The article notes that in the end, Martini told his Conclave supporters to throw their support over to Ratzinger. Could it be that the Holy Spirit gave Martini a little nudge?? It is not for us to know.
The author of this story exercised a level of self-control seldom seen at Time Magazine nowadays: he made it all the way to the end of his second paragraph before taking a jab at the Church - in the case referring to Her teachings as being "rigid-as-ever". How subtle.
Ping
Jesuits! Sheesh! The author could go cover the Anglicans. Their church teachings are looking a little flaccid lately.
yes, I suppose if they were for gay marriage they would no longer be rigid, aye? Thank God for 'rigidity' :-)
My thoughts precisely; as regards Cardinal Martini, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You"...
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