Recently a lot of attention has turned to who might replace Pope Benedict XVI. The topic of who might succeed a perfectly healthy and outstanding Pope is a little morose. But academically, its perfectly acceptable to speculate.
Why haven’t we ever had an American pope?
A few are of the opinion that Archbishop Timothy Dolan might be in line. Not yet a cardinal, Archbishop is the American George Pell, a model of Catholic conservatism among a culture of liberal relativism.
Many refer to Archbishop Timothy Dolan as “the most important American Catholic today”.
“Another likely choice from out of the American cardinal pool would be Abp. Timothy Dolan of New York…Especially now that he has been chosen and is serving as President of the USCCB, and appears to be doing so creatively so far.”
The idea is also considered from a local perspective in Gavin Abraham’s Could there be an American Pope?
Personally, a pope from the West would be spectacular.
I’ve always struggled with the fact that the foremost communication tool of the Vatican is an Italian newspaper. The Pope’s Facebook page only has 36,000 likes – Obama’s has 24 million. Don’t even get me started on Twitter.
While the Catholic message is robust, the way its delivered leaves much to be desired. Public relation nightmares like the child sex scandal (which depicted the Church has being silent on or hiding the issue when it was trying to front it) or the more recent condoms in Africa interview with the current Pope (which confused the Church’s teachings, though causing a great deal of good debate) can easily be avoided.
It’s an interesting idea. Will there ever be an American Pope?
Immaculate Conception of Mary, Patron Saint of the United States, pray for us.
“While the Catholic message is robust, the way its delivered leaves much to be desired. Public relation nightmares like the child sex scandal (which depicted the Church has being silent on or hiding the issue when it was trying to front it)”
Currently in Philadelphia Msgr Lynn and two co defendants face charges of felony child endangerment and conspiracy.
Judge Sarmina a trial judge with 14 years experience had this to say “Responding to a question that would have asked jurors if they believed sex abuse of children was a widespread problem in the church, she said, “Anybody that doesn’t think there is widespread sexual abuse within the Catholic church is living on another planet.”
This case will have far reaching results for the Catholic Church in America.
As you say Kereopa, the choice of an American Pope would certainly be historic … what if Cardinal George Pell was chosen? …
Yes Helens Bay, America has had its share of clerical abuse ( as has been talked about enough times on BF surely !!) but then when we read about surveys taken there, as in the link below , we should surely feel grateful that we live where we do instead.
Please God, Kereopa , the present Pope will be with us for quite a while yet.
Shalom
Oops!! Family interruption made me forget to give the link….
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/4/5/01552.shtml
shalom
Bamac,
What is it you are implying?Its OK because its not in our back yard?
why is it that some catholics want to shift the blame elsewhere and won`t acknowledge the huge problem it still is!
Thousands have left the Church because of this ongoing problem and still the church trys to downplay and shift the blame
Am not implying anything of the sort Helens Bay … nor am I denying that it has happened … it also happens in schools and amongst scout groups and I am not denying that either … this is not the main theme of Kereopa’s post which is about the choice of the next Pope.
Like yourself he also tries to deflect the blame from the Church.
As for the next Pope let us pray that it will someone who is prepared to face issues and God forbid that it would be George Pell!
Let’s just remember that Cdl.George Pell is Australian – he is the Archbp. of Sydney.
Helen’s Bay.
Have you ever read the Jay Report, regarding clerical and sexual abuse of minors in the USA?
You should do – because this criticism is an ongoing theme for you. You will find out that sexual abuse is at least as great, if not greater amongst other denominations, the medical profession, and worst of all in schools. This is not to diminish the situation in the Catholic Church – most criticism, in some cases grossly exagerated, is thoroughly warranted, as the Church should be held to a higher standard. But the Church has been persued because it is viewed as being wealthy, therefore a lot of money is to be garnered. Witness to this is the number of false claims where those involved are merely seeking money. But our secular press does not publish that, because its inconvenient to their agenda.
The Pope we have is just fine and may long he live.
I don’t see why where the Pope comes from is that relevant. What is needed is a faithfilled Catholic with the insightfulness to meet the challenges of the time given to him.
For what its worth…many other prelates that seem to be up to the post…I would hang my hat on Angelo Scola being well suited.
It seems to me in this time, we have the mystic, then the scholar and well Angelo is a truck drivers son and calls a spade a spade. So it seems with him the sleeves will be well rolled up.
Don,
I fully realize that Cardinal Pell is Archbishop of NSW but that fact would surely not eliminate him from the possibility of election would it ? I am so grateful for many things he has done for the Faith in parts of Australia already. I agree Benedicta, the Holy Father we have is a strong and fine man … may he be with us for some time yet.
Shalom
I always hoped the Cardinals of this era sought the aid of the Holy Spirit and were not motivated by nationalities nor politics. The church will survive no matter who is the successor of St Peter. Why are we discussing this any way – its not our call
I agree Dominican. Perhaps the habit of participating in a celebrity culture and channel surfing always has us looking for the next best thing.
That said it is better to be fans of members of the Church than many Hollywood ‘artistes’.
Chollywood?
Dominican,unfortunately Power and Politics is the motivating factor of many of the Cardinals and Heirarchy in the Church.
Don,
As you have rightly stated the Church should be held to a higher standard but unfortunately this has not transpired.
Sure the Pope has apologised but justice has never been seen to be done.
Think of all those Bishops and others in control who moved offending priests around he world and within countries to avoid detection and continue their depravity.
None of them have ever been made accountable to society and Cardinal Law is today still hiding out in the Vatican to avoid justice.
Hopefully the case currently before the court in Philadelphia will have far reaching consequences for Church and its lack of transparency
Until Justice is done for those thousands of children I will continue with criticism of those groups whether they be clergy or teachers.
“Suffer the little children to come unto Me”
Thank God we have the good Pope we have now, our prayers are surely with him as they will be with his successor when the Holy Spirit, through the cardinals, chooses him.
shalom
Yes, it’s interesting speculating on a papal successor, but invariably, the one chosen is generally well out of the spotlight. Having said that, I humbly admit that I picked Cdl Joseph Ratzinger at the last papal election
Cardl. Dolan has a NZ connection – Bp. Owen Dolan, the emeritus of, I think, Palmerston North is Cdl. Dolan’s cousin – first cuzzie I tkink. He conducted the Hamilton diocese deacon’s retreat in Jan. 2010, and was heading off to New York the next week to visit the then ABp. Dolan.