Is the backlash threatened? – Diepresse.com

Can the clocks of the Catholic Church be turned back? Can the reforms that Pope Francis initiated and only partially managed to finish, be tilted again? Can a new head of the church of 1.4 billion Catholics radically change the course that the Bishop of Rome has taken over the past twelve years?

Some fears arise these questions about the death of Pope Francis. But rightly right? In theory, of course, yes. Every Pope is entitled to the right to speak right. He is not bound by predecessors, can change rules with his signature overnight. Theoretically, the successor to Francis, whose choice must begin at least 20 days after the Pope’s death, can take the Catholic Church more back on the Kandare Rome, to reverse steps of decentralization.

Does it come to the backlash?

But it is very likely that there will be a backlash in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was too popular with the « simple » church people. The furrows he pulled during his term are too deep. He has set too many switches in the direction of renewal.

Who are there, among other things: the significant departure from a previously practiced Roman centralism, which was cardinal much earlier Franz König had criticized; emphasizing the importance of laypersons, whether men or women, and the need to give them space and competence for participation; The image of a church of the common coexistence of bishops, priests and lay people; The knowledge and resulting from this to implement the practical that women may no longer be pushed to the edge. Or the sharp criticism of capitalism and the occurrence of the rights of migrants.

Many things have remained unfinished in his pontificate. For many things, Pope Francis, not an outstanding theologian like Benedict VI. had been, perhaps also the last compelling argument, the last determination, the last courage to name the consecration of deacons as just a example.

Surprise from the bedside

But he announced a large church assembly from the bedside in the Gemelli Clinic on March 11th to astonish the world. However, it will take place in 2028 and continue the path of reforms that he initiated with the world synod, which only seemed to be completed last autumn.

The successor to Pope Francis, who will be chosen in the bellows, must step into big footsteps. It is quite possible that he will find himself in a similar role as in the 1960s Pope Paul VI. He had to work through what John XXIII. had started in his zeal for reform (second Vatican Council!), But could no longer complete.

Even then, the system wanted to repel and wanted to take conservative church circles to return. Without success. At least first. But that in turn is a very, completely different story.