Popes Leo XIII and John Paul II are two of the longest serving popes in history. In comparing their pontificates, Father Raymond de Souza has more in mind than trivia. So do I. The similarities are striking, but there is even more at work here than meets the eye. Here is a brief sample:
- Leo XIII was elected in 1878, John Paul II in 1978
- Both had the experience of an ecumenical council
- Both released an encyclical on the Eucharist in their 25th year
But we know everything is according to heaven's timetable. Could it be that, after one of the holiest, best-educated and prolific pontiffs the Church has ever seen, we could take a page out of the history of the Church and see what heaven has planned next? Pope Leo XIII, great as he was, was followed by an even larger figure in Pope St. Pius X, the great Reformer of the Church. I'm a devoted supporter of the current Pope, but I'm sure even he would admit that some things he would like to accomplish are just not going to happen.
John Paul II, among his many accomplishments, has laid out, in terms of the vast array of his writings, the entire plan for the Church of the new millenium. Even George Weigel believes that "with John Paul II's extensive body of teaching, the church of the 21st century now has an authentic, authoritative and unavoidable interpretation of the council that will shape Catholic teaching and practice for centuries". That's good news for weary ears.
As the Holy Father's energy level recedes in the waning years of his pontificate, I don't think it taxes the imagination too severely to see that the next pope, as happened at the beginning of the twentieth century, could come aboard the barque of Peter to clean house. I believe what the Church needs is a courageous reformer to continue implementing the vision John Paul II has laid out for the Church.
Take but one example: liturgical music. The next pope could conceivably renew the use of Gregorian chant, as did Pope St. Pius X one hundred years earlier. What a joy that would be, and what graces would come to the Church at the hand of a Pope who used his full authority to implement and enforce the authentic directives of the Council.
George Weigel, in a recent column, mentions how the next Conclave will look for a pope who needs to, among other expectations, "reform the church's discipline", as stated below:
"Thanks to John Paul II, the world and the church now expect the pope to exercise a global ministry of religious presence and moral witness. At the same time, influential cardinal-electors believe that John Paul II has been more successful in articulating a robust, compassionate Catholic orthodoxy than in embedding that vision in the church's practice. Finding a man who can do both -- bring the church to the world in a compelling way, and reform the church's discipline -- is the great 'personality' issue the cardinals must resolve."
He seems to agree with my assessment that the next pope will need to walk softly, but carry a big stick.
I share your assessment Paul, but I think he has to use that stick sooner rather than later.