What next for the Catholic Church?
The passing of one of the longest serving pontiffs of the Catholic Church, Pope John Paul II, is being mourned by Christians and non-Christians around the world. As the Vatican prepares for his funeral, which may include up to two million mourners, thoughts are turning to who will be elected to take his place. Some observers claim any new elected pope will most likely hold similar views to Pope John Paul II, who’s hard line views concerned some more progressive elements of the Church. However, not everyone agrees. Dr Paul Collins, a former catholic priest, has written a number of books critical of the centralized role of the Vatican and church’s role in prohibiting population control. Speaking on the Pope’s greatest legacies, he said John Paul II would be remembered for spearheading Christianity’s reconciliation with Judaism. Turning to the future, he told The Wire that the election of the next pontiff posed a great opportunity for the Church.