POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 Introduction Focus This CBC News in Review story focuses on the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II, his impact on contemporary history, and the challenges facing his successor and the Roman Catholic Church in the new century. John Paul I preceded John Paul II, but only lived for a few weeks after being chosen pope? Quote As long as I have breath within me, I shall cry out Peace in the name of God. John Paul II when ill and contemplating retiring (Toronto Star, April 2, 2005) YV Sections marked with this symbol indicate content suitable for younger viewers. Shortly after 6 p.m. on April 19, 2005, a plume of smoke wafted from a small chimney on a roof in the Vatican in Rome. The assembled crowd, which had been anxiously awaiting this signal all day, at first wondered if the smoke was black or white. But once the bells of the massive St. Peter s Basilica and all of Rome s other churches began to toll in unison, their doubts were removed. The smoke was white, a clear message to the faithful of the urbi et orbi the city of Rome and the world that the cardinals inside had chosen a new pope. It had only taken two days to elect a successor to Pope John Paul II, who had died just two weeks before, after being in ill health for months. The man who would follow him to the throne of St. Peter as the leader of the world s 1.1 billion Roman Catholics was the German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who chose as his papal name Benedict XVI. He would face the challenge of filling the shoes of the man who had headed the church for a quarter of a century, one of the longest pontificates in its 2000-year history. John Paul II s funeral was a solemn occasion that attracted heads of state from all over the world, along with an adoring crowd estimated in the hundreds of thousands. In the period of mourning before he was laid to rest in the subterranean crypt of St. Peter s, millions of pilgrims from all over the world had waited patiently for hours in long lines to file past his body and pay their respects. He had a global following that extended far beyond the faithful of the church he led, and was widely respected for his intelligence, courage, and dynamism. Relatively unknown when he became pope in 1978, he had survived an assassination attempt in 1981, later meeting personally with his imprisoned assailant in order to offer him forgiveness. As pope, John Paul had visited almost every country in the world, (129 to be exact). He was a tireless advocate for peace and had opposed the war in Iraq. In his last years, he had strongly denounced the injustices of capitalism and globalization, which condemn millions to poverty, with the same passion as he had once had when he led the campaign against communism in his native Poland and throughout the former Soviet bloc. He had reached out to Jews, Muslims, and other faiths in an effort to promote greater understanding among the world s religions. He was an inspiration to millions of young people around the world, and the World Youth Days he instituted had brought many back to the church. But along with the positive aspects of his legacy, some of his positions on religious, social, and ethical issues remained open to criticism. During his long reign, John Paul II had imposed a rigid centralization on the church. Local authorities had very little room to exercise any autonomy. He was a strict conservative on matters of doctrine and ceremony, and had made clear his total opposition to the ordination of women priests or marriage of the clergy. He had spoken out against abortion, contraception, using condoms to curb HIV/ AIDS in Africa, stem-cell research, and same-sex marriages. Some saw his response to the massive child sex-abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic Church in the United States as tardy and half- CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 6
Further Research To learn more about the papacy and to stay informed of current events, you might make a visit to the official Web site of the Holy See at www.vatican.va. There are many graphics and both current content and historical detail. hearted. To many, both within and outside the church, his stands on such issues proved that he was out of touch with the realities of modern society and was resistant to change. As a result, there was great hope among liberal and reform currents within Catholicism that John Paul s successor might adopt more progressive positions. There was even some expectation that the cardinals might break with tradition and choose a pope from outside Europe, in recognition of the fact that most of the world s Catholics make their homes in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Such hopes for change were dashed, or at least delayed, when the cardinals announced their choice for John Paul II s successor. Cardinal Ratzinger has the reputation of being a strict conservative, fully in accord with his predecessor s positions. But at 78, the oldest member of the College of Cardinals from which prospective popes are chosen, Benedict XVI was not expected to lead the church for nearly as long as John Paul had done. To most Vatican observers, it appeared likely that his reign would be a continuation of John Paul s conservative policies, and possibly even a strengthening of them. But whatever stamp he chooses to impose on it, the Catholic Church faces major challenges in the 21st century, and Benedict XVI will have to deal with them. Both Catholics and non-catholics around the world will be watching for the first indications of the direction in which he intends to lead the Church in the wake of John Paul II s long and eventful pontificate. To Consider 1. Why was the death of Pope John Paul II such a significant event? 2. In what ways did the late pope impact on the recent history of the world? 3. What aspects of Pope John Paul s reign have received criticism and why? 4. What is the significance of the choice of Pope John Paul II s successor? 5. What are some of the main challenges the Catholic Church and its new leader will have to face in the 21st century? CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 7
YV POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 Video Review Carefully respond to the questions on this page as you view the video. 1. For how long did John Paul II lead the Roman Catholic Church? 2. How did most people respond to the news of the pope s death? CBC Archives To view audiovisual content of a papal visit to Canada, visit the CBC Digital Archives at www.cbc.ca/ archives and explore the file The 1984 Papal Visit. 3. How did John Paul II transform the papacy? 4. How did John Paul II affect the Cold War? 5. How many world leaders attended the funeral? 6. What serious problems confront the Roman Catholic Church? 7. How was the selection of the new Pope announced? 8. Who is the new Pope? 9. Why do you think John Paul II was known as a great communicator? 10. What effect, if any, did Pope John Paul II have on your life? Explain. CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 8
YV POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 A Long and Eventful Life John Paul II was seen in person by more people than any other figure in history? John Paul II kept his dead brother s stethoscope in his Vatican office? With so many deaths in his family, to some observers, the church became his new family. Pope John Paul II was one of the major figures in recent world history, and his importance for our time was immense. Here is a timeline that highlights the main events in his life and his impact on world affairs. Circle three items that you think are particularly important and be prepared to explain your choices. May 18, 1920 Karol Wojtyla is born in Wadowice, Poland. At the age of 8, he loses his mother, and his older brother, a doctor, dies three years later. When Wojtyla is a young man, his father, who was a sergeant in the Polish army, also dies. By the age of 20, he has lost three close family members. June 22, 1938 Wojtyla enrolls in the faculty of philosophy at the prestigious Jagellonian University in Krakow, where he participates in amateur dramatic productions. He is an active young man who enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, and canoeing. He also loves languages, eventually learning to speak 11. February 1940 Within months of the Nazi occupation of Poland, Wojtyla joins the underground resistance movement, avoiding deportation as a slave labourer by finding a job as a stonecutter. October 1942 Wojtyla becomes increasingly influenced by religion and begins studies that will eventually lead him to the priesthood in an underground seminary in Krakow. As a sign of his devotion, he chooses as his personal motto totus tuus, or all yours, signifying his commitment to the Virgin Mary. Following the end of the Second World War, he is ordained a priest, and leaves Poland for further study in Rome in 1946. By 1948 he has earned a master s degree in theology and a doctorate in philosophy. September 28, 1958 At the age of 38, Wojtyla becomes the youngest bishop in Polish history when he is ordained in the Cathedral of Wawel. Five years later he is named Bishop of Krakow, and in 1967 becomes Poland s youngest cardinal when Pope Paul VI appoints him to the College of Cardinals, the highest governing body of the Catholic Church. Wojtyla s rapid advance in the church hierarchy is remarkable, and he emerges as a major opponent of Poland s anti-religious communist regime. October 16, 1978 To the surprise of many, Wojtyla is elected pope and takes the name John Paul II, in honour of his predecessor, John Paul I, who served only 33 days before dying suddenly. He is the first Polish pope in history, and the first non-italian to hold the office in over four centuries. March 14, 1979 Pope John Paul II visits Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the first of over 100 trips that will take him to most of the world s countries, both Catholic and non- Catholic. He becomes by far the most travelled pope in history, earning for himself the nickname Pilgrim Pope for his frequent visits to holy sites around the world. That June, he returns to his native Poland and tells large crowds not to be afraid in their struggle to free their country from communist rule. His visit inspires the Solidarity trade union movement to step up its opposition to the regime and its Soviet backers. CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 9
Definition Infallible means unable to be wrong. Thus decisions made by the pope are seen as being without error. This is a source of some debate today among Catholics. The Vatican is the world s smallest state? Even though it is in Rome, Italy, it is recognized as an independent state and has its own diplomats, train station, radio network, and post office. May 13, 1981 Mehmet Ali, a Turkish fanatic, fires three shots at John Paul II at close range outside St. Peter s Basilica in Rome. He is wounded in the abdomen, left hand, and right arm. Although he survives, some believe he never fully recovers from the attack. He later visits Ali in prison to extend him forgiveness. At the time, there is considerable speculation that Ali is in the pay of the Bulgarian intelligence agency that wants the Pope dead because of his opposition to communism in Eastern Europe. September 9, 1984 The Pope arrives in Canada for the first of three trips he will make to this country. When bad weather prevents him from travelling to the Northwest Territories to visit isolated aboriginal communities, he promises to return. He keeps his promise three years later. April 13, 1986 John Paul II s unexpected visit to Rome s main Jewish synagogue makes him the first pope in history to make such a gesture. He prays with the rabbi and indicates his interest in improving the church s relationship with the Jewish people. In 1993, he establishes diplomatic relations between Israel and the Vatican. December 1, 1989 Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the first communist head of state to visit the Pope in the Vatican. Later he acknowledges the major role John Paul II played in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. August 6, 1993 John Paul II releases an encyclical (official church statement) reinforcing traditional views on ethical and moral issues. Previously, he had issued statements on topics such as the dignity of man, the mercy of God, and the failings of both communist and capitalist socio-economic and political systems. To the world s Catholics, papal encyclicals are considered to be divinely inspired and infallible. Two years later he issues a further such statement opposing contraception and euthanasia, and in 2003 pronounces against any watering-down of Catholic doctrine and ritual. January 11, 1995 The Pope addresses the largest crowd of his pontificate, numbering over four million people in Manila, Philippines, as part of the 10th World Youth Day celebrations. John Paul II institutes this event in 1985 as a means of drawing young people back to the church. Toronto hosts World Youth Day in 2002. October 7, 1996 The Pope undergoes an appendectomy. Previously, he suffered other health-related problems, including having a tumor removed from his colon in 1992, a dislocation of the shoulder in 1993, and a broken femur in 1994, both injuries resulting from falls. March 12, 2000 As part of the Papal Jubilee Year ceremonies of the new millennium, Pope John Paul II issues a public statement seeking forgiveness for some of the intolerant actions the church has taken in the past, including the persecution of scientific figures such as the astronomer Galileo. Later that year, he makes a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he prays at the Western Wall, the holiest site for the Hebrew religion. In 2001, during a visit to Syria, he becomes the first pope in history to enter a Muslim mosque. September 24, 2003 Following a long period of official silence regarding the Pope s failing health, Austrian Cardinal Schoenborn states that John Paul II is dying. Shortly before, he was unable to complete his remarks on arriving for a visit to Slovakia. One month later, he celebrates the 25th CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 10
anniversary of his pontificate, the longest in modern times, and the third longest in the church s 2000-year history. Although ill and increasingly infirm, John Paul continues his work. February 1, 2005 The Pope is rushed to hospital in Rome, suffering from acute respiratory problems. Weeks later, he undergoes a tracheotomy operation and has a breathing tube inserted into his throat. On March 27, Easter Sunday, he appears at a window in the Vatican to a huge crowd congregating in St. Peter s Square, but is unable to speak. April 2, 2005 In the 26th year of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II dies at the age of 84 of complications resulting from a urinary tract infection and other serious health problems. He lies in state in St. Peter s Basilica, where millions line up for hours to pass by his body as a silent tribute to his long and eventful reign as Pope. His funeral attracts heads of state from many countries, in recognition of his significance as a world leader. Following his wishes, his body is laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter s Basilica, the burial place of many of his predecessors. Many in the church consider him a strong candidate for early sainthood. He is often referred to as John Paul the Great. Inquiry 1. In your opinion, what qualities of character, intelligence, and ability did Karol Wojtyla possess that enabled him to become a leading figure in the Catholic Church, and eventually rise to the position of Pope? 2. As Pope, how did John Paul II use his position as leader of a religious institution to effect change in his native country and the rest of the world? 3. On what issues of concern to people today did the Pope take a conservative stand, resistant to change? 4. After reading the passage above, discuss which of Pope John Paul s achievements will form his lasting legacy for the church he led and for the world at large. 5. What is your personal assessment of the life and career of John Paul II? CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 11
YV POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 In His Own Words Here is a selection of some of Pope John Paul II s pronouncements on important issues. Choose the one with which you most agree and the one with which you most disagree. Be prepared to discuss your choices. Quote He seemed to like Canadians and he was quite knowledgeable about Canada. former prime minister Jean Chrétien (Toronto Star, April 4, 2005) War is an adventure without return. Christmas Day address in Rome on the eve of the first Persian Gulf War, 1990 Physical condition or advancing age are not obstacles to a perfect life. God does not look at external things but at the soul. speech delivered on his 83rd birthday in 2003 I am a young person at 83. speech to Spanish youth at a Madrid rally, May 2003 The Pope cannot remain a prisoner of the Vatican. I want to go to everybody.... from the nomads of the steppes to the monks and nuns in their convents.... I want to cross the threshold of every home. speaking to reporters early in his pontificate We are deeply saddened by the behaviour of those who in the course of history have caused those children of yours to suffer and, asking your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant. handwritten note he left at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Judaism s holiest site, 1986 The abuse which has caused this crisis is by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God. speech to U.S. cardinals at the Vatican during sex abuse scandal involving U.S. priests, April 23, 2002 No to war! War is not always inevitable. It is always a defeat for humanity. speech to diplomats on January 13, 2003, as the second Iraq war loomed God once said Thou shalt not kill. No human group, Mafia or whatever, can trample on this most sacred law of God. 1993 speech given on a visit to Sicily, wracked by violence caused by organized criminal activity I declare that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgment is to be definitively held by all the Church s faithful. from a 1994 letter on the ban on women as priests A nation that kills its own children has no future. on Poland s 1996 debate on whether to legalize abortion Inquiry 1. Read the passages above by the late Pope John Paul II and discuss with your classmates what you think are the most important topics being addressed in them. What were the Pope s positions on these issues? 2. In your view what are likely to be the most lasting and significant aspects of his legacy for the church he led and the world at large? Note: All citations are taken from the CBC Web section In Depth: Pope John Paul II: John Paul II: In his own words (www.cbc.ca/news/obit/pope/pope_quotes.html). CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 12
POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 Choosing a New Pope In total there are 183 cardinals? Those over 80 cannot vote for a new pope. Only three cardinals had ever voted for a pope before? The rest had all been appointed by John Paul II. Three Canadian cardinals participated in the voting for a successor to John Paul II? On April 18, 2005, 115 of the 118 members of the College of Cardinals, (the missing three were not present because of age or illness) the highest and most important body within the Roman Catholic Church, gathered in Rome. The purpose of their meeting, known as a conclave, was to elect a new pope from among their members following the death of John Paul II. The word conclave derives from the Latin phrase cum clave, which means with a key. This refers to the tradition of the cardinals being locked in while voting for a new pope and not being permitted to leave until they had accomplished this task. The venue for their meeting was the breathtakingly beautiful Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, whose walls and ceiling were painted by the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo. As soon as all of the cardinals, or princes of the church, had taken their places, the huge wooden doors of the chapel were closed, and their deliberations began in the strictest secrecy. Only one day after the conclave convened, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the new pope. A plume of white smoke from the chimney on a roof in the Vatican was the cardinals signal to the city of Rome and the world that a single candidate had received the necessary two-thirds majority vote and had been duly elected. Previous attempts ending in deadlock had also been signaled, but with black smoke. The smoke came from the burning of the cardinals paper ballots, treated with chemicals to produce the distinctive colour. We will never know who the other candidates for pope were, nor how many votes either Ratzinger or they received. By recent standards, this conclave was not remarkably short. However, one meeting in the 13th century took over two years before a new Pope was finally chosen! Pope John Paul II himself laid down the process for the selection of his successor in 1996. One important change he made to traditional practice was the construction of a special hotelresidence for the cardinals to stay in during their conclave. Prior to this, they were expected to sleep and eat in the Sistine Chapel, enduring considerable discomfort in the process. Papal conclaves have been held regularly since 1241. Before that, both the clergy and lay people of Rome were entitled to vote for the head of their church. In 1059, Pope Nicholas II decreed that henceforth only cardinals would have the right to vote for a new pope. This would prevent outsiders from meddling in the affairs of the church. But as late as 1903, the Emperor of Austria-Hungary, Franz Joseph, exercised a veto over a papal election. According to church historian Frederic Baumgartner, author of Behind Locked Doors: A History of Papal Elections the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V warned the cardinals in 1549 that he would know when they even urinate in the conclave, so concerned was he to eliminate any possibility of outside influences on their decision. Centuries before, in 1274, Pope Gregory X had set down the rules that governed the conducting of papal conclaves until the time of Pope John Paul II. All cardinals were expected to sleep in one room, sworn to secrecy, receiving their food through a turnstile. If the voting process dragged on more CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 13
Cardinal Ratzinger was one of only three cardinalelectors not appointed by Pope John Paul II? He, like the previous pope, has mastered many languages and speaks eight including English, German, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. than five days, their rations were to be reduced to bread and water, with a bit of wine. The purpose of these strict regulations was to reduce the possibility of long, drawn-out conclaves, such as that of 1268. In that conclave, held in the papal palace at Viterbo, a town just north of Rome, the cardinals were deadlocked. In frustration, the local residents removed the roof of the palace. They did this after an English cardinal had been overheard to remark that without the roof, it would be easier for the Spirit of God to descend on the cardinals below in order to hasten their decision. Nonetheless, this conclave dragged on for a total of 33 months, one of the longest on record. Once the white smoke appeared from the Vatican chimney, the bells of the churches of Rome began to toll in unison. To the joy and satisfaction of the crowd of approximately 200 000 faithful assembled in St. Peter s Square, a senior cardinal stepped forward to make the fateful announcement in Latin, Annuntio vobis gaudium maximum. Habemus papam! ( I announce to you news of great joy. We have a pope! ). The newly elected Pope Benedict XVI, clad for the first time in his white papal vestments, stepped forward to deliver his first address. In this manner, the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church was finally chosen, in a ceremony that combined ancient tradition with significant modern adaptations. It was an occasion steeped in history, signifying the longevity and continuing power and majesty of this religious institution. As historian Thomas Noble, the director of the Medieval Institute at the University of Notre Dame has noted, it is a striking fact, easily overlooked, that the Roman Catholic Church is the oldest functioning institution in the world, and so the papacy is the oldest functioning kind of monarchy though a different kind of monarchy, to be sure. The sheer fact of its survival is pretty impressive. Activities 1. After reading this passage, discuss why you think traditions are so important in the process leading to the choosing of a new Pope. 2. Do you think the practice of voting for a new pope in secrecy is something the Catholic Church should consider changing when the next pope is elected? Why or why not? Note: All citations are taken from the CBC Web section In Depth: Pope John Paul II, www.cbc.ca/news/background/pope/conclave_process.html. CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 14
POPE JOHN PAUL II, 1920-2005 Activity: Advice to Benedict XVI Although there were 15 other popes named Benedict, perhaps the most renowned Benedict of all was the monk who created the monastic order and the Benedictine Rule? Quote After the great pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. Pope Benedict XVI in his first words to the faithful (Toronto Star, April 20, 2005) The newly elected Pope Benedict XVI faces many challenges as he assumes his role as supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church. What advice would you give to him so that he might best deal with them in a way that does not compromise core Catholic beliefs while at the same time recognizes that change may be required if the faith is to remain relevant and important to people around the world? Biographical Background to the New Pope John Paul II s successor to the throne of St. Peter is widely viewed as a conservative who is likely to continue the policies of his predecessor on social and moral issues. As a cardinal, Joseph Ratzinger directed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the influential arm of the Catholic Church that ensured all clergy and lay people within the faith adhered to its core beliefs. Ratzinger was born in the southern German town of Markt am Inn on April 16, 1927. As a youth growing up during the Nazi era, he was required to join the Hitler Youth, and during the Second World War he served as an antiaircraft gunner guarding a BMW plant. At the end of the war, he was briefly imprisoned by occupying U.S. troops. Between 1946 and 1951 he studied at the universities of Freising and Munich before being ordained a priest. In 1957 he obtained a doctorate in theology and became an influential advisor to Pope John XXIII during the period of church reform leading up to the Second Vatican Council of 1960. However, with the rise of radical student protests in his native Germany and other European countries during the late 1960s, his views shifted away from liberalism in a strongly conservative direction. Upon assuming the position of guardian of the church s doctrine in 1981, he was nicknamed the Pope s Rottweiler and The Grand Inquisitor for his rigid application of conservative theological positions. He disciplined radical Latin American priests who advocated liberation theology, or solidarity with social movements seeking economic change in that region, such as the assassinated Salvadorean Bishop Oscar Romero. He condemned homosexuality, same-sex marriage, birth control, and proposals that priests should be allowed to marry and women be ordained. He asserted that the Roman Catholic Church was the only road to eternal salvation after death, and that it should refrain from establishing close ties with either Protestants or non- Christian faiths. Liberal currents within the church were uneasy with Ratzinger s views and reacted with dismay and disappointment upon his election as Pope. However, whether or not he continues to follow the rigidly conservative stands he was known for as a cardinal remains to be seen. In the first days of his papacy he displayed a warmth and modesty somewhat opposed to his reputation. Challenges the New Pope Will Face a) The demand for greater autonomy within the church Pope John Paul II ran a very tight ship, imposing the will of the Vatican hierarchy based in Rome on archbishops, bishops, and local parish priests around the world. To some within the church, he was viewed as a micromanager CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 15
Although the last two popes have come from outside Italy, of the 265 popes, 210 have come from Italy? Over 55 000 Catholic parishes are without their own priests? who did not permit local authorities the freedom to adapt church doctrine, ritual, and ceremony to suit local traditions, cultures, and beliefs. The new Pope is widely regarded as a rigid centralizer, like his predecessor. He may soon have to deal with increasing demands from cardinals and other prominent church officials to permit greater freedom to local authorities. b) Reform within the church In many countries, the number of priests and nuns is declining markedly, and there are growing concerns within the church that there may soon be a serious shortage. Some attribute this phenomenon to the rigid enforcement of the rule that clergy are not permitted to marry, and that women may not be ordained. While conservatives like the new Pope are strongly opposed to changing such policies, there are many Catholics who would like to see a more liberal approach to them. c) Divorce, abortion, birth control, and the use of condoms Although the official church positions opposing divorce, abortion, and any form of artificial contraception are firm and unequivocal, it is an open secret that many Catholics in Europe and North America do not follow them in their personal lives. This has been especially true since the development of the birth control pill over four decades ago. In many African countries, the spread of HIV/ AIDS could be countered by the use of condoms, something the church strongly rejects. Many Catholics in both developed and developing countries hope that the church may adopt less rigid positions on these issues, if only for the purpose of saving lives. d) Homosexuality and same-sex marriage The Catholic Church believes that same-sex marriage undermines the traditional idea of marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. So far, only three countries in Europe have legalized same-sex marriages, while Canada may be on the verge of doing so. Supporters of greater equality for gays and lesbians argue that the church should adopt a more liberal position on this social issue, in recognition of the fact that society s attitudes have gradually become more accepting of them. e) The church and the North-South divide The vast majority of the world s Roman Catholics now live in what is known as the developing world the countries of South America, Africa, and Asia. In Africa, membership in the church is increasing, while in Latin America Catholicism finds itself on the defensive against a rising tide of evangelical Protestantism. Many in the church hoped that the cardinals would break with tradition and elect a successor to John Paul II who came from outside Europe. The fact that this did not happen was a great disappointment to them. They will no doubt urge Pope Benedict XVI to reach out to the developing world by promoting a greater sense of social justice and a commitment to economic equality. Pope John Paul II strongly criticized what he called neo-liberal capitalism and the process of globalization that has exacerbated the divide between the rich North of the world and the poor South. The new Pope will be under pressure to continue speaking out on this issue. f) The church and sex abuse Beginning in the late 1990s, the Catholic Church in the United States was rocked by a series of serious scandals involving the sexual abuse of children and young people by priests and other clerical officials. Some people within the CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 16
Send an E-mail To send an e-mail directly to the Pope, consider using the following address benedictxvi@vatican.va. However, do not expect a direct personal response from the new Pope himself. church were disappointed by what they viewed as the half-hearted response of Pope John Paul II to this crisis and the lack of decisive action on his part to deal with it decisively and firmly. The expensive financial settlements and long-term disillusionment with the church this has created in the U.S. represents a continuing challenge. It is likely that the new Pope will have to face this issue early in his pontificate. Advising the Pope on the Issues Form groups with your classmates to discuss the issues outlined above. As a group, formulate a set of proposals you would offer to the new Pope, Benedict XVI, that would assist him and the church he leads in dealing with them. Your advice should be respectful of core Catholic doctrines and practices but should also recognize the need for adaptation and change if the church is to remain relevant and effective as a religious and spiritual institution in today s world. It should also contain specific suggestions that could be made to the Pope regarding what might be the most effective way for him to convey the church s views to both Catholics and non-catholics. You might wish to send your comments to the Vatican directly (www.vatican.va). Notes CBC News in Review May 2005 Page 17