Commonweal Readers’ Communities (CRC) Discussion Topic Packet

The Papal Transition: Benedict to Francis Commonweal

ARTICLES Regime Change Saintly Politics Benedict & His Successor Francis & His Formula for Peter Jeffery, John Wilson, Harmony Mary C. Boys, William L. E.J. Dionne, Jr. July 5, 2013 Portier, Richard R. Gaillardetz March 22, 2013 Shock Therapy Could the Next Pope Learn The Church in Latin from Benedict? America Peter Steinfels Can Francis Meet the March 8, 2013 Challenge? Julia Young April 12, 2013

A New Center of Gravity A Bright Day for the New Theology E.J. Dionne, Jr. March 13, 2013

SHORT- TAKES/COLUMN Why Francis? What the Pope’s Name Signals Paul Moses April 12, 2013 cns photo / l’osservatore romano via reuters I ing. It was he, as Cardinal Ratzinger, who labored to hold who labored Ratzinger, Cardinal ing. as he, It was retir is XVI it’swhy Benedict obvious butabout, Ithink Peter’s. St. struck lightning Then orforced be out? can’t resign mind of unsound pope freely. a So acting and mind to of be sound pope resigning a requires law canon that reports were still Scarier cessor? suc plot own to some Was appoint sinister his this dal? Peter Jeffery Doubtless there have been medical issues we hadn’t heard hadn’t we heard issues medical been have there Doubtless Was he bailing out one step ahead of out awhole scan one new ahead step Was he bailing behind. not were far theories conspiracy the tirement, re- pope’s about the unexpected Iheard But soon as as Latin. in announced is asurprise time last the be t may William L. Portier, L. Gaillardetz R. Richard William Regime Change Regime Peter Jeffery, C. Boys, John Mary Wilson, Benedict & His Successor His & Benedict - - - tion failed to stop it all: the secrets his butler got in trou got in butler his secrets the to stop it all: failed tion elec to world Even youth. Ratzinger’s gesture adramatic in Ringo, George name the taking about John successor Paul’s jokes were There infallible. but still name—brain-dead his in encyclicals issue indefinitely could they so state, etative veg Johnapermanent Paul in to keep planning was nals cardi of curial cabal asecret that rumored It was he was. who knowing without of archbishop Canterbury the with John met Paul had that said It was election. papal next the in for advantage jockeying and causes pet pushing factions Winter in tiff Pon The toMe the Go Father’s John Cornwell’s and House Dziwisz’s Stanislaw in chronicled differently so Paul II, of John long, slow decline the Vaticanthe during together . Back then, rumors were rife about Vatican rife were rumors then, . Back Let Let - - - - - 13 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 14 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 a New Evangelization. New a with sheep lost the back to call been pope’s has the response or resignation, relief with shrinkage this accept than Rather Pentecostal. goes America Latin East, Middle the flee ties communi out, ancient empty edifices European historic as though, whatwe’re is fewer and getting, Smaller Church. Catholic no church-of-the-few the be inition, ever could bydef that, recognizes Pope Benedict church, purer and about asmaller wistfulness Despite some reported lization. Evange New to the promoting dedicated is of Faith, which on. head challenges toour face reshuffling and grouping to need do some we re that recognize he will hopeful I am to of go, offer need but where we he will what vision know along. Idon’t all now, lived live where we where he has and are they home way golden to on age: the our detours porary not tem are things these that know He will shortage. tion voca the renewal, liturgical culture, modern ecumenism, of challenges the with wrestled always has that a church You you don’t if who you were. who you are can’t know know before. ever now more than of continuity” a “hermeneutic more We history. side knew need on every partisans vocal most the if painful less far be would role society in church’s the of leadership, models about liturgy, disputes Our already. me.There’s tooamnesia much way worries frankly, That, Latin. know maynot and even church, preconciliar the ber Vatican He the won’t in era. a priest II as remem ordained pope first probably the be he will First, pope. next about the again. to surprised be eager Is Love.” Iam “God called encyclical an was instead got we for along-anticipatedWhat bloodbath. sharpened being knives the hear could thought sides they on both olics lots of Cath XVI, Benedict elected was Rottweiler” “God’s called some peoplehad man the When II. John Paul Iand John XXIII, surprises: were through I lived popes the Half cover-up. pedophilia the church, women the in finances, can Vati as issues on pope’s such new the policies predict can Idon’t we And believe church. about tensions the ing in for talk vocabulary best the offer “conservative,” and eral” at Fox Times hope folks the the News For agendas. once, old same tired continue the surely will and popes, two last appointed were by the electors cardinal the platform—all social Party’s Democratic the endorse Don’t up for hopes who will a pope your get of pessimism: anote York New in the and tendsto Times on strike CNN one out.that Coverage figured italready has thinks media charge. take fully can pope ayounger to outso get way of the Better cline. long de another church the Holy Father to right spare was our now Clearly is upon us. that forconclave the cronies their aboutpositioning people partly were ble for revealing The next pope will take office in the middle of the Year of the middle the in office take will pope next The up in grown have will pope new the hand, other the On predict safely can we Ithink some things are there Still liberal American The get? we will ofBut pope what sort I don’t believe that terms derived from politics, like “lib like politics, from derived terms I don’t that believe is right. right. is ------pope “in today’s world.” “in pope of statement being burdens to about say the had resignation what Benedict’s We seriously get. help he can take should the all need ever, he will complicated than and connected more is aworld inter that of evangelizing challenges the given And, Exhortation. Apostolic another write more than do alot he could propositions; synod’s the what to do with ways.” new in responsibilities pastoral share and levels all at reflection men contribute to theological with together today, that religious) women and (lay acknowledges synod “the And Evangelization.” New the in cipients actors and re both are “they that means option for poor” the erential pref time.” “The current of the demands evangelical the to no respond longer which structures of pastoral dynamics the in “changes life, of city context” urban to the “relevant celebrations liturgical rendering doctrine,” social church’s recommend “greater bishops to attention The also the art.” of fields all present in “be communities,” ments new and move ecclesiastical new of the “dynamism and charisms the recognize dignity,” promote human and their grants mi “welcome should church time.” The of our “challenges as secularism with paired is mention. Globalization they things one is first of the Inculturation Europe. a sinking Vatican on the lished website about rescuing no is jeremiad a unity of exclusion. a unity of not wholeness, one the Truth a unity as sion, revealing vi of binocular akind in together back perspectives these draw should Evangelization New The of form aslave. the taking who himself, emptied of Son Man the wind, the who like blows Spirit the creation, in hidden nent truth imma the more who clearly see tend tothose be ership of lead kind who to don’t Catholics his The drawn feel people to himself. all up, draws who, when lifted Christ ourselves—the to of need conform us Truth all to which transcendent immutable, the clearly particularly who sees of Catholic kind the is Pope say Iwould Benedict label, apolitical him giving Butthan rather countries. Catholic of formerly recent tohistory the somehowdesire reverse reactionary even unrealistic, an as this see life.” One could referenceChristian to the without live and church the from away drifted have baptized, who, though at those cipally “prin aimed was Evangelization New the said Eucharist, opening at the homily the in himself, Benedict hortation. Ex Apostolic to an compose report synod’s notmay the use who mayor pope, to the advice” offering and information of providing function “the only had itshas since inception synod the because is That confidential. are texts Latin cial offi the since translations, unofficial in only available are of them Year most important the of Faith. Unfortunately W This brings me to the last prediction I feel I can make make Ican I feel prediction last me to the brings This to be decide will pope’s responsibilities next One of the Indeed, the unofficial “Final List of Propositions” List pub “Final unofficial the Indeed, ated by the Synod of Bishops that opened the of the Bishopsopened Synod that ated bythe gener documents the be would guide best the Probably Evangelization”? a“New is hat exactly ------M John Wilson Notre of University Dame. Peter Jeffery ears. all with listen should we church, to the speaks now.face Spirit the When problem we every addressing in crucial be bishopsthe will of all experience pastoral worldwide the and alike, think all do not appointees of time.” Benedict’s ing John and Paul’s pass the upon improved with be can institutions, human all synod...like “This that observation his confirm would bishops.” the it with And collaboration close of Our sult people...as are- Christian to the flow to happy see so been We that have of benefits abundance great of the council the after acontinuance “for document, founding synod’s the in expressed Pope desire Paul VI the help fulfill would This Peter’s St. and conferences successor. episcopal national the with union operate in body, will which legislative and ative amore deliber itself synod the for making process sitional how toatran shape discussing to begin are Bishops. They of Synod for next theme the the doannounce is I would second Peter’sthing St. in The assembled crowd Square. of the blessing traditional the do isdeliver I would thing first do. The youIwould what tell I’ll of discussion, sake won’t pope me.But, for just be next the The certainty: with has gained much from the Catholic tradition, and from and tradition, Catholic the from much gained has better. knows himself done. have Benedict donepossibly what he or has could ing exceed- far influence an with him to credit critics, fiercest church’s the among and hagiographers Benedict’s among a tendency, been has both there predecessor, John Paul II, his with As pope. anew elect will devotion great with served he has church The for to us to speculate. do so—nor him for no need was there and not He did elaborate, frailty. his a“good not us he promised has death.” But him. Ibelieve and children, his abandon never he will that promised has God broken died. longbeen before they have minds whose known Ihave Christians faithful other December—and old last years ninety was my mother—who Ithought about faith. of his authenticity the demonstrate should Christian afaithful dying, in notion the that, death”: traits Por Puritan admire), (whom byJ. Packer book I. Igreatly on her.tightened its grip month by and month dementia to change, began that though, From my standpoint as an evangelical Protestantwho From evangelical an as my standpoint acknowledged papacy, the Benedict from down stepping In a finishing Iwas about Benedict, news the Iheard When . I had been reading about Richard Baxter and the “good the and Baxter about Richard reading been . Ihad is the Michael is P. the at in Music Grace Chair say. Within a few months, afew say. Memento Mori Within Spark’s Muriel in characters the as “faculties,” of her possession eighty-five—in she turned when herself much very still y motherwas Commonweal Magazine_Ad.indd 1 - - - - AvA “A decade before Professor Karski began hisremark- —President witness, hero secret h r Brzezinski, previously unpublishedphotos, andmore. historian Timothy Snyder, afterword by Zbigniew Madeleine biographical Albright, essay by Yale incredible truestory includesaforeword by Georgetown’s definitive editionof Jan Karski’s example—with lessons ofheroism, resilience, and Service, hewas already teaching by thepower of able tenure at Georgetown’s SchoolofForeign people around theworld shouldknow Karski’s story.” uncompromising leadership. Allfreedom-seeking il esist A ble in cloth A ble incloth b A ill c nce fighter, — — A oloc linton nd eb t formA ook ust

1/23/13 12:41PM 15 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 M John Wilson Notre of University Dame. Peter Jeffery ears. all with listen should we church, to the speaks now.face Spirit the When problem we every addressing in crucial be bishopsthe will of all experience pastoral worldwide the and alike, think all do not appointees of time.” Benedict’s ing John and Paul’s pass the upon improved with be can institutions, human all synod...like “This that observation his confirm would bishops.” the it with And collaboration close of Our sult people...as are- Christian to the flow to happy see so been We that have of benefits abundance great of the council the after acontinuance “for document, founding synod’s the in expressed Pope desire Paul VI the help fulfill would This Peter’s St. and conferences successor. episcopal national the with union operate in body, will which legislative and ative amore deliber itself synod the for making process sitional how toatran shape discussing to begin are Bishops. They of Synod for next theme the the doannounce is I would second Peter’sthing St. in The assembled crowd Square. of the blessing traditional the do isdeliver I would thing first do. The youIwould what tell I’ll of discussion, sake won’t pope me.But, for just be next the The certainty: with has gained much from the Catholic tradition, and from and tradition, Catholic the from much gained has better. knows himself done. have Benedict donepossibly what he or has could ing exceed- far influence an with him to credit critics, fiercest church’s the among and hagiographers Benedict’s among a tendency, been has both there predecessor, John Paul II, his with As pope. anew elect will devotion great with served he has church The for to us to speculate. do so—nor him for no need was there and not He did elaborate, frailty. his a“good not us he promised has death.” But him. Ibelieve and children, his abandon never he will that promised has God broken died. longbeen before they have minds whose known Ihave Christians faithful other December—and old last years ninety was my mother—who Ithought about faith. of his authenticity the demonstrate should Christian afaithful dying, in notion the that, death”: traits Por Puritan admire), (whom byJ. Packer book I. Igreatly on her.tightened its grip month by and month dementia to change, began that though, From my standpoint as an evangelical Protestantwho From evangelical an as my standpoint acknowledged papacy, the Benedict from down stepping In a finishing Iwas about Benedict, news the Iheard When . I had been reading about Richard Baxter and the “good the and Baxter about Richard reading been . Ihad is the Michael is P. the at in Music Grace Chair say. Within a few months, afew say. Memento Mori Within Spark’s Muriel in characters the as “faculties,” of her possession eighty-five—in she turned when herself much very still y motherwas Commonweal Magazine_Ad.indd 1 - - - - AvA “A decade before Professor Karski began hisremark- —President witness, hero secret h r Brzezinski, previously unpublishedphotos, andmore. historian Timothy Snyder, afterword by Zbigniew Madeleine biographical Albright, essay by Yale incredible truestory includesaforeword by Georgetown’s definitive editionof Jan Karski’s example—with lessons ofheroism, resilience, and Service, hewas already teaching by thepower of able tenure at Georgetown’s SchoolofForeign people around theworld shouldknow Karski’s story.” uncompromising leadership. Allfreedom-seeking il esist A ble in cloth A ble incloth b A ill c nce fighter, — — A oloc linton nd eb t formA ook ust

1/23/13 12:41PM 15 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 16 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 I Mary C.Mary Boys John Wilson alot is more there story. to the truth, the like anything is Creed Apostles’ the voices in joinwhen our we up to. say we what But own must if honest Christians all that wrongdoing of egregious reference long to history the out by or somehow away cancelled to waved is be superiors up by their covered and by priests perpetrated of abuse on. century first the from been, ism...and always it so has Pentecostal and mainline,” “the to called be what used and evangelicalism, and Church, Orthodox too the So reform. Holy and Spirit. Son, Father, things: restoration of the all who promises God the it, sustains and universe the who created God to the witness apowerful mess—and aterrible inherit He will be. will pope next no who idea Ihave the conclave. papal upcoming to the Daily Show The from something like sounds successor of his administration to the threat aserious pose might well reflection) toand prayer himself (devoting of aformer pope existence the that for example, Weekly the in Standard Bottum Jody friend my dear not least, (including, Irespect writers from decision of his criticism bythe baffled Iam particular, in Benedict Benedict was the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Congregation of the Prefect Cardinal the was Benedict Iesus of Dominus promulgation The about XVI. Pope Benedict feelings of my ahint mixed offers doves.” as harmless and serpents as “wise 10:6, words of the Matthew in to us be, requires United today the States in community a woman’s religious to belonging and realm interreligious the in working cause be Strategic, it judges. those alienates manner, punitive a in its authority exercising too often moreover, in that, by men—one exclusively absolute governed an monarchy as exercised aministry with dealing in one strategic must be Yet church. of the for unity the vital is ministry Petrine the because Way the Ipersevere, of Jesus. who walk many so of witness the including life, sacramental and spirituality by its edified Iam broad; and deep, rich, is tradition that today. Church Catholic Roman the in to living regard with particularly counsel, wise my friend’s as them me.Iregard with stayed before juxtaposed, never Ihad which words, two those Iawoke, When perseverance.” “strategic I don’t write that blithely, as if (for instance) the scandal scandal the I don’t blithely, (for that if instance) as write of need desperate in is Church Catholic Roman The Benedict from shift will attention Before long, of course, That “strategic perseverance” has become my watchword watchword my become has perseverance” “strategic That because tradition Catholic the in Ipersevere For my part word of her death, a phrase came to me in a dream: to adream: me in came word aphrase of her death, for nightIreceived women’s The church. the voices in of Vatican a passionate advocate student she was II, Aserious died. of mine friend abeloved January n early is editor of is Books and Culture. and Books . in 2000, when the future future when the 2000, in ). The notion, notion, The ). - - under the title “ title the under 2008 February in Tridentine the Released in Rite. liturgy Friday for Good composed the Benedict forprayer Jews the was More consequential pope. to the unknown ently appar were views) social misogynistic Holocaust (and the of denial whose Williamson, Bishop Richard Lefebvrist the from of excommunication ban of the removal his in notoriously Jews—most with complicated relations also has groups traditionalist of other Pius St. Xand Society of history. mirror tarnished into the to gaze areluctance suggest of Pope Pius XII, canonization the pursuing his with together Holocaust, to the relation in church about the truths disturbing with to grapple failure The of not Christians.” afew hearts anti-Judaism the in inherited by the explained be can of Christians part on the atrocity to this resistance insufficient acertain that denied be cannot “it as contorted formulations such it, via understates he seriously when he does, and complicity; of ecclesial degree to any he admit does Holocaust. Rarely of the acterization char Benedict’s ideology, of neo-paganism”—typify born racist of terror,” reign Nazi “insane an phrases—“the Such hatred.” and of antisemitism ideology an propagated that regime agodless “by of Jews extermination brutal of the he spoke Israel, Holocaust. In role the in church’s to the address. visceral even predecessor’s personal, to his contrast stark in detached, and dispassionate was that speech Holocaust—a of the victims atof Yad Remembrance Hall Vashem, to memorial Israel’s the in address an gave Benedict John Paul before him, Like of shadow Johnthe Paul II’s 2003. in memorable there visit to escape notably to Israel failed visit 2009 May tone. His dialogical right the striking in Yet successful less been he has Jews. with relations” to “continue of improving path on the resolve his June 2005 in address an in predecessor, indicating of his legacy remarkable the to honoring himself mitted church’s long history of denigrating Judaism, particularly particularly Judaism, of denigrating long history church’s the Given of all. savior the as Jesus to acknowledge Jews involvement. Vatican included have its wake in followed that conferences WordA Common Us You and between published leaders religious letter, open 138of Muslim the anniversary first the protest. On the quelled partly 2006 November in Blue to Istanbul the Mosque in visit his and response, to Pope,” their to the showedopenness Benedict Letter “Open an issued scholars and authorities religious Muslim A month later, when thirty-eight 2006. September in of Regensburg University at the alecture in about Islam claim articulated apoorly with controversy ignited Benedict Subsequently, pope, as a position offrom omniscience. landscape religious the surveyed declaration tone, in that ian Authoritar relations. interreligious and ecumenical in legacy complicated Faith, of foreshadowedhis the Doctrine the Benedict’s patient pursuit of reconciliation with the with of reconciliation patient pursuit Benedict’s regard with of candor lack Benedict’s was More unsettling In the sphere of Catholic-Jewish relations, Benedict com sphere of Benedict the In Catholic-Jewish relations, Pro Conversione Iudaeorum Conversione Pro , and the numerous numerous the and , ,” it petitioned - - - - 16 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 I Mary C.Mary Boys John Wilson alot is more there story. to the truth, the like anything is Creed Apostles’ the voices in joinwhen our we up to. say we what But own must if honest Christians all that wrongdoing of egregious reference long to history the out by or somehow away cancelled to waved is be superiors up by their covered and by priests perpetrated of abuse on. century first the from been, ism...and always it so has Pentecostal and mainline,” “the to called be what used and evangelicalism, and Church, Orthodox too the So reform. Holy and Spirit. Son, Father, things: restoration of the all who promises God the it, sustains and universe the who created God to the witness apowerful mess—and aterrible inherit He will be. will pope next no who idea Ihave the conclave. papal upcoming to the Daily Show The from something like sounds successor of his administration to the threat aserious pose might well reflection) toand prayer himself (devoting of aformer pope existence the that for example, Weekly the in Standard Bottum Jody friend my dear not least, (including, Irespect writers from decision of his criticism bythe baffled Iam particular, in Benedict Benedict was the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation for Congregation of the Prefect Cardinal the was Benedict Iesus of Dominus promulgation The about XVI. Pope Benedict feelings of my ahint mixed offers doves.” as harmless and serpents as “wise 10:6, words of the Matthew in to us be, requires United today the States in community a woman’s religious to belonging and realm interreligious the in working cause be Strategic, it judges. those alienates manner, punitive a in its authority exercising too often moreover, in that, by men—one exclusively absolute governed an monarchy as exercised aministry with dealing in one strategic must be Yet church. of the for unity the vital is ministry Petrine the because Way the Ipersevere, of Jesus. who walk many so of witness the including life, sacramental and spirituality by its edified Iam broad; and deep, rich, is tradition that today. Church Catholic Roman the in to living regard with particularly counsel, wise my friend’s as them me.Iregard with stayed before juxtaposed, never Ihad which words, two those Iawoke, When perseverance.” “strategic I don’t write that blithely, as if (for instance) the scandal scandal the I don’t blithely, (for that if instance) as write of need desperate in is Church Catholic Roman The Benedict from shift will attention Before long, of course, That “strategic perseverance” has become my watchword watchword my become has perseverance” “strategic That because tradition Catholic the in Ipersevere For my part word of her death, a phrase came to me in a dream: to adream: me in came word aphrase of her death, for nightIreceived women’s The church. the voices in of Vatican a passionate advocate student she was II, Aserious died. of mine friend abeloved January n early is editor of is Books and Culture. and Books . in 2000, when the future future when the 2000, in ). The notion, notion, The ). - - under the title “ title the under 2008 February in Tridentine the Released in Rite. liturgy Friday for Good composed the Benedict forprayer Jews the was More consequential pope. to the unknown ently appar were views) social misogynistic Holocaust (and the of denial whose Williamson, Bishop Richard Lefebvrist the from of excommunication ban of the removal his in notoriously Jews—most with complicated relations also has groups traditionalist of other Pius St. Xand Society of history. mirror tarnished into the to gaze areluctance suggest of Pope Pius XII, canonization the pursuing his with together Holocaust, to the relation in church about the truths disturbing with to grapple failure The of not Christians.” afew hearts anti-Judaism the in inherited by the explained be can of Christians part on the atrocity to this resistance insufficient acertain that denied be cannot “it as contorted formulations such it, via understates he seriously when he does, and complicity; of ecclesial degree to any he admit does Holocaust. Rarely of the acterization char Benedict’s ideology, of neo-paganism”—typify born racist of terror,” reign Nazi “insane an phrases—“the Such hatred.” and of antisemitism ideology an propagated that regime agodless “by of Jews extermination brutal of the he spoke Israel, Holocaust. In role the in church’s to the address. visceral even predecessor’s personal, to his contrast stark in detached, and dispassionate was that speech Holocaust—a of the victims atof Yad Remembrance Hall Vashem, to memorial Israel’s the in address an gave Benedict John Paul before him, Like of shadow Johnthe Paul II’s 2003. in memorable there visit to escape notably to Israel failed visit 2009 May tone. His dialogical right the striking in Yet successful less been he has Jews. with relations” to “continue of improving path on the resolve his June 2005 in address an in predecessor, indicating of his legacy remarkable the to honoring himself mitted church’s long history of denigrating Judaism, particularly particularly Judaism, of denigrating long history church’s the Given of all. savior the as Jesus to acknowledge Jews involvement. Vatican included have its wake in followed that conferences WordA Common Us You and between published leaders religious letter, open 138of Muslim the anniversary first the protest. On the quelled partly 2006 November in Blue to Istanbul the Mosque in visit his and response, to Pope,” their to the showedopenness Benedict Letter “Open an issued scholars and authorities religious Muslim A month later, when thirty-eight 2006. September in of Regensburg University at the alecture in about Islam claim articulated apoorly with controversy ignited Benedict Subsequently, pope, as a position offrom omniscience. landscape religious the surveyed declaration tone, in that ian Authoritar relations. interreligious and ecumenical in legacy complicated Faith, of foreshadowedhis the Doctrine the Benedict’s patient pursuit of reconciliation with the with of reconciliation patient pursuit Benedict’s regard with of candor lack Benedict’s was More unsettling In the sphere of Catholic-Jewish relations, Benedict com sphere of Benedict the In Catholic-Jewish relations, Pro Conversione Iudaeorum Conversione Pro , and the numerous numerous the and , ,” it petitioned - - - - cns photo / ansa / alessandro di meo via reuters ment to dialogue with the religious other. Internally, how other. Internally, religious the with ment to dialogue acommit expresses church the Externally, deviant. deems it members to those them denies globe the across rights human champions that church the that revelation the is ing dishearten But more fundamentally scandal. sexual-abuse the most complicit in those among are investigations the who championed some noted Vaticanbe of that the officials It should church. of adysfunctional symbols ironic deeply “teachings and discipline.” church’s the with more them closely order in totions align affilia and programs, statutes, LCWR’s the in changes to supervise J. Peter Archbishop Sartain appointed Seattle CDF The abortion. and homosexuality against teaching magisterial supporting insufficiently while economic justice, for of Catholic faith,” and advocating the incompatible with theses “radical of advocating LCWR the CDFthe accused it In April. last announced was meanwhile, assessment, nal outcome The doctri of the to announced. yet be has 2012, Faith. ofthe Doctrine for the Congregation bythe Women (LCWR) Religious of Conference Leadership of the assessment doctrinal the and congregations; these in of life” “quality the assessing of purpose stated the with Life of Apostolic Societies and Life of Consecrated for Institutes Congregation ofes the auspic the under 2008 in United launched the States, in “Apostolic the institutes watch: Visitation” of religious Benedict’s under Two initiated were ture. investigations hostile—pos amore coherent—and reflects gregations women’s con of its American treatment religious Jews, odds. at theological are Tridentinethe Rite—that pope’sthe composition for and Missal Roman the in 1970versions—the prayer two sanctions now Church Catholic the that remains reality tension,of the the some alleviated tervention in Kasper’s While tion. interpreta eschatological for an to argue controversy ensuing the in tervened in Jews, the with lations Re for Religious Council President Pontifical of the Walter then Kasper, dinal contentious. as Car seen was formulation pope’s the 1960, until prevailed that of 1570 Missal Roman the from Jews “perfidious” the for Friday prayer Good the Personally, I view these investigations as disturbing and and disturbing as investigations these Personally, I view completed January in although visitation, of the result The with its relations in ambiguous is papacy Benedict’s If - - - - - A flashoflightningoverSt.Peter’s 11,2013 BasilicaonFebruary ------month, will they elect a pope with sympathy for women’s sympathy with a pope elect they month, will contraception? against outspoken for faulted not more are we being And attacks. acid and killings, “honor” trafficking, sex rape, through worldwide done violence to women unspeakable about the bear can we world. more on We the than lenses new learned have us giving us, affected have more simply, experiences our much or governance; doctrine church outset to challenge not did women religious that is truth The perspectives. new opens people of suffering experience into the tering of en process the that Christian) (or alert to any erarchs to to point have hi out to those Itsuffering.” dismaying is peopleare it CDF—“I because wrote bythe denounced ly Just Love to Just her book regard in said ley Far A. love of and neighbor. Sr. As Margaret integrity with to live strive who yet nonetheless teachings, official with at may be variance lives whose work—people and live whom we with those among experiences byour led been fact in have we feminism,” by“radical misled been have we more effectively.” humanity “help order in to church” of the needs the and times oftions the condi of the a proper understanding have members “their to it see that and of prayer, of work” and of life, “manner the examine communities religious that recommending Life, caritatis Perfectae moment.” of the mands 1965 October In Vatican issued II de to adapt the “continually and costumes and customs outdated jettison must Women he recommended, religious, anachronism.” world it the an as out is, be of touchwith to faithful to the “[appear] women religious that observed When the cardinal electors meet in the Sistine Chapel next next Chapel Sistine the in meet electors cardinal the When And so we did. Contrary to hierarchs who charge that that who charge to hierarchs Contrary did. we so And , the Decree on the Renewal of Religious of Religious Renewal on the Decree , the in the Modern Worldin the Modern 1963 Nun The book fluential in his In dimensions. new by opening vocation their enlarge and tent capacities” “la their utilize gregations women’sthat con religious Léon-Joseph Suenens urged Cardinal Belgian the 1960s early the In of us. asked what wasmerely obeyed world, women have the in of way living and mission, programs, their diversifying to behave. how and told what to think children, like treated are rather, we partners; alogue not di capable ofare being apparently women religious eyes Benedict’s In evident. is commitment ever, no such The bitter irony is that in in bitter irony that is The —a book harsh book —a , Suenens Suenens , ------17 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 18 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 O William L.William Portier Press). (Paulist Christians and Jews between Relations of and Jesus Death The Story: Sacred Our the of forthcomingauthor Redeeming York in New and Seminary Union at City, Theological Theology Practical of Professor McAlpin and the Skinner is Boys Mary well. as perseverance” “strategic with must we act that late friend, to my thanks add, Iwill to that And cunning.” “holy with church the in to act Daughters of to Charity: his Paul gave de Vincent St. that counsel the why I’m mind in keeping is not. That Likely church? outside and the in experiences questions. to wonder about these left what more said he might have of faith.” We for life the are relevance of deep by questions aworld in for “shaken faith prospects about the observation an with begins office his to fulfill strength the longer has he no that 11 he admits statement, sentence which in the February his In virtues. theological of the triad plete the to com on faith encyclical not an have will we Apparently depth. and clarity their with reader the hope strike and on love encyclicals Benedict’s one as who prays. theologian of the definition classic to the or according training, sional profes and of of knowledge breadth terms in theologian a better Great—was the Great or Gregory the Leo even not about him. and church about the was papacy the that us He reminded of whole hope to the church. gift humility—a and of courage act an clearly is resignation papacy, of his Benedict’s thinks one more recent precedent. Whatever welcome this will papacy on the checks of constitutional lack the who lament Theologians duties. his fulfill when he can time the beyond living of apope likelihood the increase advances medical further as future, the in significance increasing have will decision his and direction, adifferent in him led conscience Benedict’s byGod. called been he had to which office the to leave him not permit did conscience whose John PaulII, by set example to the alternative an successors to his leaves Benedict of Pope By Johnlong resigning, Paul II. decline the witnessed had Benedict 1294. in turmoil great amid tomb at V,he the prayed of Pope Celestine who resigned that reminded we’ve been And resignation. of apapal ity possibil mentioned the Benedict Peter Seewald, journalist the with a2010 in interview that, reminded been have we announcement, about it the Since for some time. thinking out, been he had it turns As resignation. his by announcing He leaves behind a mixed legacy. No pope in history—not history—not legacy. in No pope amixed behind He leaves n said. “ said. she resigned,” pope “The morning. the in 7:30 me at 11,n Monday, called my wife February Pope Benedict XVI surprised the whole the world surprised XVI Pope Benedict Who ?” Ireplied. ?” - - - F Theology at the University of Dayton. the at Dayton. of University Theology William L. Portier papabili for various the odds down laid Paddy Power already has bookmaker Irish The American. or Latin African be well could pope next The South. global the in growth and America North and Europe in of decline transition demographic the through church to the have steer will successor His re-evangelization. for concern its his roots and Europe’s Christian with tion preoccupa his choice reflects of That Western monasticism. bypriests. dren of chil abuse sexual bishops the the complicit in discipline wishes. pope’s the to how unresponsive at least become—or has curia Roman the how dysfunctional clear makes for ecumenism, office curial the than Faith of rather the forDoctrine the Congregation the out, through carried was this way The not clear. yet are long-term whose gamble another is effects church the with communion full toin be who wish Anglicans tionalist and will be a lasting literary legacy. literary alasting be will and volumes to three now run church of the fathers and saints on the Wednesday addresses His historical-critical. and theological both is that to approach Scripture of an signs offer and exegesis, and theology between present impasse the with seriously grapple classes, graduate in used I have a“green as pope.” him tinguish Vatican the dis in surely installed equipment had he has solar the even and change, climate especially questions, on environmental interventions many His environment. the and law natural to he applies both of creation,” a phrase “grammar of the encyclical this in writes being. Benedict well- human affect economic-policythat decisions make who for those reading It required be should crisis. on that to bear tradition of the resources the bringing in brilliant simply is encyclical this economic worldwide collapse, 2008’s larize the church. the larize po further just instead solemnity, or and will reverence er great with practice liturgical current of leavening desired he effect the have will this whether It not is clear Liturgy. Roman of the Rite Extraordinary of the introduction the included have church to the traditionalists schismatic cile to recon efforts long-standing his First, moves. troversial con two made front,he has this On church. of the unity for passion the his signals It also assessed. and discussed be will council the which within framework the ity, remains Benedict chose as his own papal name that of the founder founder of the that name papal own his as chose Benedict publicly for who will apope waiting still Sadly, are we books, two of which of which two Nazareth of books, Jesus Pope three Benedict’s His creation of quasi-dioceses (ordinariates) for tradi (ordinariates) of quasi-dioceses creation His Caritas in veritate in We Caritas do have nor simple continuity but rather reform in continu in reform but rather nor simple continuity neither rupture as Vatican Second oftion the Council, interpreta 2005 Benedict’s future, foreseeable or the is the Mary Ann Spear Chair of Catholic of Chair Ann Spear the Mary is , but the Spirit blows where blows it will. , butSpirit the . Written in the wake of wake . Writtenthe in ------18 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 O William L.William Portier Press). (Paulist Christians and Jews between Relations of and Jesus Death The Story: Sacred Our the of forthcomingauthor Redeeming York in New and Seminary Union at City, Theological Theology Practical of Professor McAlpin and the Skinner is Boys Mary well. as perseverance” “strategic with must we act that late friend, to my thanks add, Iwill to that And cunning.” “holy with church the in to act Daughters of to Charity: his Paul gave de Vincent St. that counsel the why I’m mind in keeping is not. That Likely church? outside and the in experiences questions. to wonder about these left what more said he might have of faith.” We for life the are relevance of deep by questions aworld in for “shaken faith prospects about the observation an with begins office his to fulfill strength the longer has he no that 11 he admits statement, sentence which in the February his In virtues. theological of the triad plete the to com on faith encyclical not an have will we Apparently depth. and clarity their with reader the hope strike and on love encyclicals Benedict’s one as who prays. theologian of the definition classic to the or according training, sional profes and of of knowledge breadth terms in theologian a better Great—was the Great or Gregory the Leo even not about him. and church about the was papacy the that us He reminded of whole hope to the church. gift humility—a and of courage act an clearly is resignation papacy, of his Benedict’s thinks one more recent precedent. Whatever welcome this will papacy on the checks of constitutional lack the who lament Theologians duties. his fulfill when he can time the beyond living of apope likelihood the increase advances medical further as future, the in significance increasing have will decision his and direction, adifferent in him led conscience Benedict’s byGod. called been he had to which office the to leave him not permit did conscience whose John PaulII, by set example to the alternative an successors to his leaves Benedict of Pope By Johnlong resigning, Paul II. decline the witnessed had Benedict 1294. in turmoil great amid tomb at V,he the prayed of Pope Celestine who resigned that reminded we’ve been And resignation. of apapal ity possibil mentioned the Benedict Peter Seewald, journalist the with a2010 in interview that, reminded been have we announcement, about it the Since for some time. thinking out, been he had it turns As resignation. his by announcing He leaves behind a mixed legacy. No pope in history—not history—not legacy. in No pope amixed behind He leaves n said. “ said. she resigned,” pope “The morning. the in 7:30 me at 11,n Monday, called my wife February Pope Benedict XVI surprised the whole the world surprised XVI Pope Benedict Who ?” Ireplied. ?” - - - F Theology at the University of Dayton. the at Dayton. of University Theology William L. Portier papabili for various the odds down laid Paddy Power already has bookmaker Irish The American. or Latin African be well could pope next The South. global the in growth and America North and Europe in of decline transition demographic the through church to the have steer will successor His re-evangelization. for concern its his roots and Europe’s Christian with tion preoccupa his choice reflects of That Western monasticism. bypriests. dren of chil abuse sexual bishops the the complicit in discipline wishes. pope’s the to how unresponsive at least become—or has curia Roman the how dysfunctional clear makes for ecumenism, office curial the than Faith of rather the forDoctrine the Congregation the out, through carried was this way The not clear. yet are long-term whose gamble another is effects church the with communion full toin be who wish Anglicans tionalist and will be a lasting literary legacy. literary alasting be will and volumes to three now run church of the fathers and saints on the Wednesday addresses His historical-critical. and theological both is that to approach Scripture of an signs offer and exegesis, and theology between present impasse the with seriously grapple classes, graduate in used I have a“green as pope.” him tinguish Vatican the dis in surely installed equipment had he has solar the even and change, climate especially questions, on environmental interventions many His environment. the and law natural to he applies both of creation,” a phrase “grammar of the encyclical this in writes being. Benedict well- human affect economic-policythat decisions make who for those reading It required be should crisis. on that to bear tradition of the resources the bringing in brilliant simply is encyclical this economic worldwide collapse, 2008’s larize the church. the larize po further just instead solemnity, or and will reverence er great with practice liturgical current of leavening desired he effect the have will this whether It not is clear Liturgy. Roman of the Rite Extraordinary of the introduction the included have church to the traditionalists schismatic cile to recon efforts long-standing his First, moves. troversial con two made front,he has this On church. of the unity for passion the his signals It also assessed. and discussed be will council the which within framework the ity, remains Benedict chose as his own papal name that of the founder founder of the that name papal own his as chose Benedict publicly for who will apope waiting still Sadly, are we books, two of which of which two Nazareth of books, Jesus Pope three Benedict’s His creation of quasi-dioceses (ordinariates) for tradi (ordinariates) of quasi-dioceses creation His Caritas in veritate in We Caritas do have nor simple continuity but rather reform in continu in reform but rather nor simple continuity neither rupture as Vatican Second oftion the Council, interpreta 2005 Benedict’s future, foreseeable or the is the Mary Ann Spear Chair of Catholic of Chair Ann Spear the Mary is , but the Spirit blows where blows it will. , butSpirit the . Written in the wake of wake . Writtenthe in ------est view of the papacy. He understands well what was too what was well papacy. of the He understands view est not were who clearly too maypopes been had there noted that He choice ofwryly role the apope. in indirect and limited a only to have said be could Holy the Spirit that admitted frankly had Ratzinger long election before his contrast, By calling. divine of his repudiation unconscionable an as of resignation possibility the rejected He explicitly death. his averted Mother had Blessed the that convinced he was assassination: attempted the more after so even idential, prov as papacy his saw John Paul II beginning. very the from papacy of the view a more had circumscribed Benedict personality; in a difference more than was This image. ling for compel the predecessor’s aptitude of his little strated physical days. incapacity during his final and atableau of in pain over hunched finally, and, ragua, to Nica avisit during Cardenal at Ernesto finger his ging wag time, for first the visiting he was of acountry ground the kissing would-be assassin, his aroom with in praying filioque the (excluding Greek in creed Niceno-Constantinopolitan of the patriarch ecumenical the joint with the recitation Rome, in synagogue rabbiat the chief the with prayer his Assisi, to in for pray of world peace leaders religions with meeting his events: of symbolic aseries in than teaching papal his in less reflected was pontificate of his us many history,for in pope any than text of ecclesiastical pages more Even he wrote though age. a media in papacy of the power symbolic of the advantage tookJohn full Paul II predecessor. his from profound departure most his marked that itself papacy of the vision Benedict’s however, it was piety. retrospect, In Bavarian by his enced one approach, influ deeply more traditional somber and a preferred Benedict while more to open inculturation, far John Paulwas for example, liturgy, to the it came When predecessor. of his those from different were taste and style Benedict’s certainly And of substance. than of style a matter subtle—more be would thought, it was pontificates, two the between difference Any ofmuch John Paul II’s pontificate. CDF of prefect the as throughout played had Ratzinger Joseph role dominant Cardinal the given understandable was assumption predecessor. The of his that with tinuity con substantial in apontificate be would his that assumed pope. as legacy, atest least great Benedict’s to constitute likely is itself resignation the Richard R. Gaillardetz A Benedict’s resignation is consistent with this more mod this consistent is with resignation Benedict’s Pope Benedict, the introverted theologian-pope, demon theologian-pope, introverted the Pope Benedict, stage, public on the comfortable figure A charismatic commonly it was 2005, in pope became Benedict When the choiceSpirit. of the !). All of us can call to mind photos to mind of John Paul II call of can us All !). resignation. As many have already suggested, suggested, already have many As resignation. XVI’s Benedict Pope of significance siological to eccle consider might pause we the pope, new of a election the awaits Church Catholic s the ------“God hears the cry of the poor.” freshly roasted Colombian coffee you can educate a child, provide adult job training, and food for the Just by enjoying the taste and aroma a cup of of elderly. All profits go to our Catholic Missions www.saintbasilcoffee.com Our coffee is certified “fair trade.” to promote social justice. But do we? or call 713-880-9090 19 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 20 Commonweal . March 22, 2013 F recover an ancient understanding of the church as acommu as church of the understanding ancient an recover to and period preconciliar of the ecclesiology universalist the to reverse effort a substantial made church the II, ican At Vat century. nineteenth early the in began that thority au of papal centralization the to reverse itwhether time is to us consider invites resignation Benedict’s members, billion Vatican’sthe bureaucracy. or of reform for, or aptitude administration in, interest the Neither showedany simply abysmal. were by John Paul II made of those many and appointments, episcopal shrewd for particularly known statements. was mitic Neither pope anti-Se one outrageous made who had bishops, including ofschismatic four excommunications the removed maturely pre Benedict of Pius X, Society the with schism the heal topics.to other and Eager abuse, sexual condoms, clerical of statements public blunders in on a series Islam, made XVI Benedict For Liberation. part, and his Communion and lare, Way, Neocatechumenal the Dei, Opus Foco as ments such move of lay new array for enthusiasm a wide uncritical an harbored John Paul II Indeed, children. several ly fathered apparent and boys young abusing of sexually ibly accused cred been who had of Christ, Legionaries founder of the Degollado, Maciel of Marcial culpability obvious the accept not could John Paul II church. of the administration their in spots blind dangerous acknowledged have predecessor his and Benedict to both disposed ideologically been have a failure to consult the wisdom of others. wisdom the to consult a failure or issue, or doctrinal pastoral toproper attention adifficult to give refusal obstinate an overcome ignorance, magically not does also Holy of the Spirit assistance The infirmity. of physical question the beyond extended be insight can this of applicability the course Of capacities. human created our of diminishment the not does simply override it’s assistance Holy The Spir failings. and frailties human hibited byour in it also is such, As capabilities. human our through and in mediated is Holy of the Spirit assistance the to which ing one accord anthropology, theological ahealthy sion reflects deci Benedict’s office. of their forHoly exercise the Spirit of the assistance the given bishop the way of Rome—are apreeminent in bishops—and all holds that teaching olic Cath office. of his obligations the no longerhe fulfill could that meant health declining his because resigned Benedict apotheosis. not apersonal office, episcopal an ly essential is papacy the that reminder asalutary as derstood un be can resignation Benedict’s office. from retirement bishop’s any from no different or resignation principal, in is, of resignation Rome. Consequently, apapal church local he bishop is of because the only pope is namely, apope that second millennium— of the course the over forgotten often Given the character of a global church with well over a over well with church of aglobal character the Given But there is more that can be gleaned from his decision. decision. his from gleaned be But can moreis that there more than one person can handle? Evenwho many handle? can one person more than simply configured, papacy, currently Is the tion. as ques afurther invites resignation Benedict’s inally, ------but pontifex but not monarch, appeal; of final but court theologian, chief of Peter; not vicar the as of Christ vicar not the much so was pope when the church the in a morefrom time ancient to learn something is there whether ourselves must ask we action, of light Popein courageous honest and Benedict’s Finally, synod? astanding as such structure erly episcopal a prop toward curia the in residing currently authority the of much to redirect do better we so, would If collegiality? on episcopal teaching council’s the with at odds damentally fun and dysfunctional isinherently curia to the granted ity author current the that to need admit we Do diocese. local the and papacy the between at levels functioning all ences, confer episcopal and himself), byRatzinger championed once (a possibility patriarchates new of metropolitans, those of authority, including structures intermediate revivifying might considerwe so, then If church? to the of subsidiarity authority. conferences’ suos Apostolos Paul II, of Pope letter apostolic to John the eventually leading tus, sta their challenge soon would Ratzinger, Cardinal ing includ Curia, Roman the in figures However, leading of collegiality. expression an as fruit boreferences much meet only occasionally. occasionally. only meet would and consultative merely Pope was Paul created synod authority, the deliberative exercising synod of astanding Instead envisioned. had fathers council of what the simile fac acheap of was bishops that asynod to create session, in still was council the authority, while own on his acted Pope move, Paul VI uncollegial Butership. amarkedly in lead pastoral of universal exercise the pope the with share bishops to of allowing ameans as Christianity, Eastern in common of bishops, kind of the synod ation of a standing cre the supported enthusiastically fathers ofber council Anum collegiality. of episcopal expressions partial, only if real, as conferences episcopal in interest new sparked this and region, same brother bishops the from with of meeting church. versal for uni the responsibility member, leadership and shared bishop the of head of Rome which both is of a college bers mem bishops, as the all that recognized further council The churches. of those pastors butordinary pope the the Christ of Jesus church the were they organization; transnational of a offices mere branch as no were longer to viewed es be nio ecclesiarum 2012). Teaching the Press, of Vatican (Liturgical Unlocking II cil: Coun to the Keys is Clifford, withco-authored Catherine Boston at most recent College.His book, Systematic Theology the Joseph is Catholic of Professor Gaillardetz R. Richard Is it time to unburden the papacy by applying the principle principle the byapplying papacy the to unburden Is it time In the first decades after the council, episcopal con episcopal council, the after decades first the In value the bishops discovered had many council, At the . Bishops, it followed, were not vicars of not were . Bishops, vicars it place followed, that in —literally, bridge-builder. bridge-builder. —literally, —a communion of churches. Local church Local of churches. communion —a , which dramatically restricted the restricted dramatically , which n ------8 Commonweal . April 12, 2013 have left the church. Sociologist Roberto Blancarte estimates estimates Blancarte Roberto Sociologist church. the left have Catholics country’s of one-third the almost decades, several past the over Guatemala In years. thirteen past cent the over per by 20 declined country—has America’s most populous Brazil—Latin in population Catholic the Garrard-Burnett, Virginia to scholar According occurred. it has rapidly and to 72 2010. percent in century twentieth of the percent beginning atabout the 90 from decreased has Catholic is region’s that population of Center, the share the Pew to the Research According secularized. simply becoming also but are many estantism, Prot of evangelical strains to various converted left have who Most of those droves. in faith the leaving been have however, region, Catholics the world’s Across the Catholics. home percent of to are about 40 Caribbean the and America masses. Catholic of the life the and Catholicism institutional both affect will that ways in changing are societies national its various Catholic, predominantly remains America Latin Although challenges. entrenched deeply complex and highly several understand to however, it Catholicism, isnecessary on Latin-American Latin-American faithful. the reenergize and for Pope topotential revitalize Francis the on focused commentators heights.” Other “uncharted to country that in groups of conservative power the raise would pope Argentine an that proposed Caparrós Martín the In church. Latin-American the position of political the may strengthen of Bergoglio selection heritage. and culture, language, their who of shares apope selection at the ing thanksgiv joy and expressed Carolina, North Wilmington, to Angeles Los from immigrants United Latino States, job. to the the In American appoint aSouth would Jesus that so heaven in strings pulled must have Hugo Chávez deceased recently that speculating happily action, on the Even Venezuela’s president, got new in Nicolás Maduro, rang. bells cathedral Zócalo, the plaza, City’s main Mexico In Cathedral. Metropolitan the packed Vaticanand flags Pope as Francis. Bergoglio Jorge Mario ofconclave’s Cardinal Argentina’s election A can francismeetthechallenge? America Church Latin The in Julia Young The most striking fact about this attrition is how recently is how recently attrition about this fact most striking The Today, demographic. is challenges Latin of these first The pope new of the possibleimpact the orderIn to assess the over enthusiasm the that speculated pundits Some Argentine waving worshipers ecstatic BuenosIn Aires, of surprise and excitement over the news of the excitement news and the over of surprise gasp acollective was U.S. Latinos—there among From to Mexico—and Chile pope! Latin-American novelist YorkNew novelist Times, - - - and moderate center that sought to work within existing existing moderate sought centerand to that work within alarge and struggles; armed revolutionary with pathized sym that lowerclergy) the among (primarily left radical a change; to social opposed wing right cultural and litical po conservative ahighly between divided was church the century Faith,” mid-twentieth by the 21, December 2012), arose. divisions however, political new regimes, populist and leftist and dictatorships military conservative between polarized increasingly became America Latin in conflicts ideological As action. for social its support involvement and in increased and classes, working of the for welfare concern the novarum Rerum 1891 of encyclical the papal wake the in left: to the to head poised seemed church the 1900s, early the In century. twentieth the complicatedduring somewhat was ernments lower-level Catholic clergy—were more ideologically diverse. diverse. more ideologically lower-level clergy—were Catholic the often, masses—and Catholic the though even century, nineteenth the in governments conservative tended to support church institutional the a result, As education. in especially sphere, public the in role for church the acentral to preserve tried bycontrast, Conservatives, period. colonial the since held had clergy the that privileges and property, powers, the to restrict state—sought and of church separation the about ideas byEnlightenment intellectuals—emboldened and politicians liberal century, nineteenth the Throughout state. to the relative role church the of over the erarchy hi Catholic the with struggled have governments Spain, its image. public in decline aconcurrent relevance—and power, political and position of privilege, its historical in a long decline challenge: more a second, enduring faced has America Latin in Church Catholic institutional the at all. religious notpercent did consider themselves 24 while religious,” “very as to identify likely less much are of eighteen twenty-nine) and ages the (between Catholics Latino found young poll same the generation of Latinos: younger the within Even changes morelics. the notable are Catho among than Protestants among higher significantly is enthusiasm religious that United and the States, in tants Protes to Latino relative decreasing is Catholics of Latino percentage the that determined poll 2013Gallup January up of aboutA one-third U.S. Catholics. who make today (from to 89 82 percent) 2000. since million by 4 declined has Mexico in population Catholic the that As historian John Schwaller describes (see “A (see Transplanted describes John Schwaller historian As This alliance between the hierarchy and conservative gov conservative and hierarchy the between alliance This from region’sindependence Ever the since gained nations faith, the leaving are Catholics that time same At the United the States, in Latinos among similar is picture The , the church had entered a period of heightened entered had a period church , the ------cns photo / enrique marcarian, reuters publicly opposing military governments. Most famously, governments. military opposing publicly and for and for poor actively the sympathy for expressing killed and persecuted were hierarchy of members the ’90s, and 1970s, ’80s, the during America Central In repression. and of torture defended victims and dictatorship military the against bishops took stand apublic progressive the time, same at the Brazil in 1960s; early the Trujillo in Rafael dictator bishops broke with of generation liberal anew lic, Repub Dominican the In up tostood right-wing dictators. period.) that during government the involvement and with actions about Bergoglio’s accusations and of questions barrage the (Hence leftists. of being accused people toward repressive brutally was government military the (1976–83), which in war” “dirty country’s the during silent largely remained country. aparticular any within wing of each strength relative upon the depended America Latin developments twentieth-century in political to response church’s the Thus, rights. human and equality, economic justice, about social to bring structures political Celebrating theelectionofPopeFrancisoutsideMetropolitanCathedralinBuenosAiresMarch13 In other countries, however, the Catholic Church actually actually Church Catholic however, the countries, other In hierarchy conservative the of Argentina, case the In - is occurring across the region, particularly in urban areas. areas. urban in particularly region, the across occurring is that change cultural and of social wave newest the of all: ing most daunt the may be this and America, Latin confront in problem. image of an something has today America Latin in hierarchy the America), Latin in by priests minors of abuse sexual the over scandal to agrowing also thanks (and ties to those part in Thanks military. the and elites, wealthy reactionaries, and Church Catholic the between association historical of the supporters their reminded have politicians these For Bolivia’s Evo part, and Morales. their Venezuela’s as such leaders Hugo Chávez populist ward to- stance acritical taking often regimes, of leftist wave to to anew respond struggled has church the recent years, Yet, church. in Latin-American of the image the burnish problemabout the of economic inequality). America Latin in spoke XVI Benedict and John Paul II but both teachings, these Vatican critiqued (the strongly has poor to attention the special give and inequality social and economic to need redress the emphasized theology, which liberation Catholic supported numerous prominent clergy There is a third and final challenge that Pope Francis will Pope will that Francis challenge final and athird is There helped have should human-rights accomplishments These -

9 Commonweal . April 12, 2013 10 Commonweal . April 12, 2013 University of America. of University Young Julia work out cut for his have him. will pope new the he proceeds, However region. the in focus principal not Francis’s be will this perhaps morality, oftions sexual on ques especially conservative, more become socially will Americans Latin that to imagine it hard is although And Protestantism. to evangelical ofhelp tide toconverts stem the appointment even may his over enthusiasm excitement and United Patriotic the States. in by Latinos as well as Catholics, welcomed byLatin-American be certainly would ity. 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Little of the national Rice Patrick month, Irish following The U.S.ambassador. of the intervention the through leased but re tortured and Fr. Weeks arrested James was missionary Salette La month American same That 4. road onthe August automobile forced off when his was killed was Rioja of La leli on Sunday, Angel Bishop 4. July Enrique parish Patricio San of the rectory the in murdered were seminarians two and priests Pallottine Three homeily’s on 14 May again. seen never and her fam from abducted was Mignone, Emilio lawyer rights human- daughter of famed one Monica Mignone, year, that is 1976horribil and worst, annus the were an remembered as is coup of 1976 years junta’s to the military 1983. end in first The Yorio Jalics. Francisco and Orlando activists, Jesuit of two abduction the concerning paper Buenos Aires the in published articles are goglio’s critics during Argentina’s guerra Argentina’s suciaduring not or did do did provincial, Jesuit as of what Bergoglio, views on their based questions some raised were who have there papacy. to the Still, of archbishop Buenos Aires, nal Bergoglio &the Complicit? Tom Quigley , beginning with the Videla military coup on March 24. In In 24. coup on March military Videla the with , beginning It is the brother and sister of the late Fr. of sister It the brother and the is Yorio who seem superior, Fr. their not that had only Bergoglio, Convinced During that period, according to Emilio Mignone’s Wit to Emilio according period, that During of the time the from extended war” “dirty of era the The by veteran journalist HoracioVerbitsky journalist byveteran 12 Página the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, cardi Bergoglio, of Jorge Mario election the with to thrilled be reason had well) as America North (and America Latin in everyone irtually , some sixteen priests were murdered or disap murdered were priests , some sixteen D irty War . The main sources for Ber sources main . The ------A New Center of Gravity First Jesuit, Theological Continuity

E. J. Dionne Jr. March 13, 2013

In winning election as Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio defied the papal pundits, even though they should have seen him coming. His rise marks the decisive shift within Roman Catholicism toward Latin America and the developing world. In theological terms, he represents continuity, yet he is the first non- European pope in more than 1,000 years, and also the first Jesuit.

He is a doctrinal conservative who battled gay marriage in Argentina and fellow Jesuits who were more liberal. But he also rebuked priests who denied baptism to children born out of wedlock and has spoken strongly for social justice. He is the first pope to take the name of the saint known for his devotion to humility and to the poor. He is likely to weigh in often on behalf of the world's poorest regions.

"We live in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most yet reduced misery the least," Bergoglio told Latin American bishops in 2007. "The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers."

That his election was a surprise is, in itself, surprising. It was widely reported that he came in second to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger -- Pope Benedict XVI -- in the 2005 conclave. John Allen, the well-sourced Rome correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, cited a prelate who said that Bergoglio had given Ratzinger "something of a horse race." Bergoglio's support stayed intact in the ensuing eight years, and one church official said that he received roughly 30 votes on the first ballot on Tuesday, a strong showing in the 115-member conclave that placed him in a commanding position to win early after only five rounds of voting.

In the run-up to the conclave, however, he was pushed down the list of probable victors, partly because of his age -- he is 76 -- and partly because some cardinals wondered whether he had the toughness to take on a Vatican bureaucracy in desperate need for reform. This will now be tested.

More liberal American Catholics seeking change in the church's stance on the role of women and sexuality cannot expect much movement from Pope Francis. He is a traditionalist, although the same could be said of all other potential winners. Francis was an early critic of liberation theology, which united Catholics and movements on the political left in Latin America.

Yet an American bishop noted that the choice of Francis would not be greeted as a clear victory by conservatives, either. On liturgical issues, he has opposed those who seek to roll back changes instituted by the Second Vatican Council.

This bishop also noted that in his first speech as pope to the crowd in St. Peter's Square, Francis laid heavy stress on his role as the "Bishop of Rome," rather than emphasizing his standing as the leader of the church. This could, the American bishop said, be a signal that Bergoglio is sympathetic to forces in the church unhappy with the concentration of power in the papacy who have called for a decentralization of authority away from the Vatican.

The conclave also pointedly stepped away from cardinals with close ties to the Curia, as the Vatican bureaucracy is known, and also from the early Italian favorite, Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan.

In the end, it is Pope Francis' standing as a Latin American and as an advocate of the poor that may well define him.

His connection to Argentina is not without ambiguity. He has come under criticism for not speaking up strongly against the brutal Argentine junta that ruled the country from 1976 to 1983. Yet he is unlike some past leaders in the Latin Church who allied themselves with privilege.

He gave up the archbishop's mansion in favor of a small apartment, and used public transit. He's worked in his nation's slums and asked his priests to do the same. He has outlined the shortcomings of unregulated capitalism, and of the International Monetary Fund.

For many Catholics, a great deal of hope rests on the new pontiff's choice of the name Francis, the saint who disdained formal authority, devoted himself to a simple life, cared passionately about the marginalized, and saw actions as counting far more than proclamations.

It is said that St. Francis once declared, "Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words." For a pope, it's a challenging approach.

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7 Commonweal . April 12, 2013 Saintly Politics Francis & His Formula for Harmony

E. J. Dionne Jr. July 5, 2013

Pope Francis is proving himself to be a genuinely holy man, a brilliant politician, and a leader who knows that reform requires a keen understanding of how creating a better future demands sophisticated invocations of the past.

Nothing demonstrated all three traits better than Francis' announcement that he would make both Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII saints. The obvious political analysis here is correct: On the whole, conservative Catholics will cheer swift sainthood for John Paul while progressive Catholics will welcome the news that an overly long process of elevating John to the same status had reached its culmination. One for one side, one for the other -- it's a good formula for harmony, something Catholicism needs right now.

But much more is going on here. Rapid sainthood for John Paul was inevitable, partly because of widespread devotion to him around the church and not simply in its conservative wing. A campaign to sanctify him took off from the moment of his death. Whatever criticisms might be directed his way -- on his sluggishness in facing up to the clerical abuse scandal, for example -- there should be no denying his standing as a world-historical figure.

His vital role in the collapse of Soviet communism will always be recognized as the product of faith married to shrewd statesmanship. And, speaking personally, getting to cover John Paul's 1986 visit to a synagogue in Rome where he robustly and decisively condemned anti-Semitism will always endure as one of the most moving experiences of my journalistic life. But that story is a perfect example of why it was essential to sanctify Popes John and John Paul at the same time. Without Pope John, there would not have been the John Paul we came to admire.

I should acknowledge my interest here since I argued two years ago for just this result. Elevating both popes was the only way to make clear that the sweeping reforms of the Second Vatican Council, called by Pope John, opened the way for John Paul's greatest achievements. These were, in large part, liberal triumphs involving a commitment to human rights, religious liberty and democracy as well as a stern opposition to religious prejudice and an emphasis on social justice and workers' rights.

Yet except among the ranks of scholars and older progressive Catholics, Vatican II is so often a dim memory. Moreover, there are conservative voices in the church that have sought to play down just how important the council was in opening Catholicism to the modern world. Pope John embraced modernity and the lessons it had to teach Catholics even as he was critical of modernity's failings.

By lifting up John, Pope Francis is telling Catholics to embrace this legacy again -- beginning by paying attention to it. In so doing, he will reinforce comparisons already being made between himself and Pope John.

My Georgetown University colleague John Borelli noted recently in The Tablet, the British Catholic magazine, that Francis, like Pope John, has placed a heavy emphasis on social justice, has a deep and long-standing commitment to dialogue with other faiths, and has a similar unpretentious personal style. The National Catholic Reporter has repeatedly linked the two popes and noted a few months ago that Francis expressed his affinity with the pope of Vatican II by saying: "I see him with the eyes of my heart." What might have looked like wishful thinking on the part of progressive Catholics for a re- engagement with Pope John's approach now seems much more like a clear-eyed view of reality.

There will be questions in both cases about Pope Francis' flexibility with the church's requirement that two miracles be attributed to saints. But as retired Newsweek writer Ken Woodward noted in his definitive 1990 book Making Saints, the church's process of honoring holy people has always been, shall we say, complex, and not without considerations that might be seen as political. Saints are made, after all, for the enlightenment of the living, and for those who come later. Woodward followed the sociologist Robert Bellah in noting that telling the stories of saints creates "communities of memory that tie us to the past" and "also turn us toward the future as communities of hope."

By reminding Catholics of which aspects of the past he wants to celebrate, Francis has pointed the way for a more open, less divided church that examines the present and looks to the future with hope, not fear.

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11 Commonweal . March 8, 2013