Reply #9: If the historical pattern holds, a progressive is next [View All]

[IndyPriest]

Many papal historians have noted the same interesting pattern: a progressive pope most often follows a conservative. While JPII has appointed many of his likely successors, it doesn't follow that they will be in lock step with his policies.

WHile the pope gets high praise for his advocacy of social justice and peace, there is widespread dissatisfaction among bishops and cardinals with his centralizing of church administraton and interference from the Vatican bureaucrats. A change in administration style -- more democracy, greater local voice -- will have huge affects. Catholics, as a body, tend to be progressive. As the current authoritarian lid is lifted, that more progressive spirit will have a chance to move.