A right choice for Catholics?
By James Hutchinson
After the billowing white smoke cleared the Vatican, Roman Catholics were presented with the first pope of the 21st century. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany inherited the papal throne from his esteemed predecessor, the late John Paul II.
As leader of the Catholic Church, an entity bedeviled by sex abuse scandals, dwindling attendance, and a struggle to stay relevant in a recalcitrant world, Pope Benedict XVI faces many challenges. Has the church made the right choice at this critical juncture in its history?
While the rest of the world is in flux, the Catholic Church appears content with the status quo. But by selecting the oldest pope since the 18th century, it is clear that the Vatican doesn't intend for this pope to be a catalyst for a paradigm shift within the church.
A well-known arch-conservative, Ratzinger stands at odds with many moderate and progressive Catholics on such divisive issues as gay marriage, birth control, and female ordainment. These issues have deepened the fissure between conservative Roman Catholics and those that live in more secular countries. This may further alienate 'wayward' Catholics who take a more pragmatic approach to the application of their beliefs.
Perhaps the most interesting element in all of this is the geopolitical effects of the division between the Vatican and its followers. In largely Catholic regions of the world such as Central and South America, there has been a political shift towards the more progressive and secular left.
More recently, however, came the news that Spain, a stalwart Catholic country, is putting in place legislation that would allow the recognition of gay marriage. In his first week as pope, Benedict denounced the law, calling it "iniquitous."
It is possible that many Catholics are experiencing a cognitive dissonance, meaning there is a disparity between what Catholics believe and how they behave. Having such a polemical figure in charge of the faith does little to reconcile these feelings.
Benedict can be more than just a polarizing figure, though. He said in his first papal address that he wants to reach out to other religions and use the church as a positive force in world relations, noble causes and worthy challenges for the new pope to set.
In an age of global terror, religious sectarianism and increased economic stratification, the new pope must realize the merits of pragmatism in reaching the most people. Only then will the Catholic Church begin to repair the wounds of the last few decades and erect a solid path in the 21st century.
* Contact James Hutchinson at jehutchinson@scu.edu.