A NEW POPE, A RENEWED CHURCH
Joseph F. O’Callaghan (Continued)

We hope that a new pope will give new life to the principle of collegiality among the bishops enunciated by Vatican II and that the pope will recognize the bishops as true collaborators rather than branch managers of a worldwide corporation.

We hope that a new pope, and the bishops, following his example, will engage in a dialogue both with all the faithful and with the society in which the Church exists. Rather than impose rules and regulations and awkward and often unintelligible liturgical texts, a new pope, and the bishops, ought to seek out the faithful and listen to their worries, their needs, and their opinions. Our hope is that a new pope and the bishops, inspired by Vatican II’s decree, The Church in the Modern World, will read the signs of the times and listen to the concerns and ideas expressed in the secular world. 

We hope that a new pope will declare that women, truly made in God’s image, are worthy of priestly ministry. We hope that a new pope will also embrace our homosexual brothers and sisters and treat them with humanity and love. 

Above all we hope that a new pope, like John XXIII who summoned the Second Vatican Council, will throw open the windows wide to let in a breath of fresh air that will give new life to the Church and rekindle a sense of joy and enthusiasm as we strive in our daily lives to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.