re: #79 Lidane

The wingnut Catholics are either in full apologetics mode or they’re screaming Teh Pope Iz teh Vatican Obummer at full volume. It’s been fun to watch.

Francis wouldn’t be Pope if he was anything other than an arch-conservative theologically. The Cardinals wouldn’t have voted him in otherwise. He’s more openly sympathetic to the poor because of his experiences in Latin America, but he’s just as much a hardliner as Benedict and JPII. There won’t be any major changes to Catholic doctrine or practice while he’s Pope. Count on it.

Practice changes more easily than doctrine. One possible dramatic change, which would not be at all fundamental, is the married priesthood. There is nothing in RC theology that prevents it, and it might be the only way to staff their parishes. Both priests in my wife’s parish are in their 80s, and years past a normal parish rotation cycle.