Pope Benedict XVI - Champion of traditional Catholicism

The great challenges facing Catholicism are epitomised in Pope Benedict XVI who announced yesterday — in Latin — that he is to resign on grounds of ill health.

To more traditional Catholics, whose views predate the liberalising Vatican II, he was steadfast in asserting the primacy of orthodoxy. To them he was a reliable, inspiring bulwark against the uncertainties, expectations and intrusions of modernism. By repeatedly expressing his opposition to individualism and consumerism, by expressing unwavering opposition to homosexuality, abortion, rock music and even Harry Potter, he articulated the beliefs of millions of conservative Catholics.

However, Benedict’s determination not to bend to evolving social views alienated millions more who could not support a church that precluded even a discussion on the possibility of women priests. Neither could they support an institution that demanded, despite so many abominations laid at the feet of the principle, priestly celibacy or a veto on married priests.