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The Next Pope
John Paul II's traditional views will likely stand
April 9, 2005
The world seemed to come to a halt for several hours Friday in a final and ultimate sign of respect and affection for one of its longtime spiritual leaders, Pope John Paul II of the Roman Catholic Church. No less than 70 heads of state, including President George W. Bush, put aside their pressing duties to attend his funeral service in Vatican City.
Surely there were those among them who allowed themselves to wonder how this humble man became such an iconic figure to the world, whether their own leadership measured up and if their final rites would be such an overwhelming event.
John Paul II's lessons for them would include rigorous honesty, staunch adherence to core principles and values, outreach beyond the faithful, willingness to address old issues and make amends for past mistakes, and tireless travel to spread the word. His 26-year papacy showed that a leader doesn't need armies to have power or political connections to have influence.
Attention will shift in the week ahead from praise and mourning for John Paul II to the process of choosing his successor to lead a church of more than a billion members. Because of his long tenure, John Paul II elevated most of the cardinals who will vote on the new pope to their rank, including Detroit Cardinal Adam Maida. So, it can be expected that the successor will be in line with the late pope's traditional views on such issues as birth control and the all-male Catholic priesthood.
In addition to filling the enormous shoes of the charismatic John Paul II, the new pope will face formidable challenges, such as declining church membership in its traditional and wealthiest strongholds, the United States and Europe, due to apathy, scandals and the lure of evangelical Christian churches.
The Vatican also is struggling to address moral and theological issues raised by rapid advances in science and technology, to channel resources into fighting poverty in the Third World and to increase interest in religious vocations.
While the College of Cardinals will, and must, be diligent in selecting a new pope, these princes of the church also must recognize that this is a critical time and the huge void at the top of their beloved institution cannot remain unfilled for too long.