Landmark beginning

For the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, next Tuesday will long be remembered as the landmark beginning of the conclave in Rome to elect a new pontiff following Pope Benedict’s sudden resignation.

He was the first pope in over 600 years to step down, too frail in mind and body to carry on. By doing so, however, he gave the 115 “cardinal electors” a breathing space to prepare for the election of the next leader of a church that spans the planet, a position which demands a younger, more energetic candidate, someone characterised by a rare blend of spiritual, academic and political qualities.

Most cardinals were appointed by conservative popes, so it is unlikely, but hopefully not impossible, that the new leader will respond positively to calls from the Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland for an end to fear and repression in the Church, new departmental leaders in the Vatican, and full implementation of the second Vatican Council’s programme of renewal.