New Pope's tenure may be marked by intense discourse surrounding the ordination of female clergy, according to a Vatican writer.
Tossin' Words on the Female Factor Shaping the Future Pope
Robert Harris, the guy behind the smash hit papal novel, believes the new pope's stance on women will be a significant factor. He likened the upcoming event to "a profoundly political moment for the world."
Harris, who's been calling cardinals for his book, shared his thoughts on Sky News. He's pondering, "Can it really be the case that Christ did not intend half the world's population to play a full role in spreading his word?"
While the Catholic Church has kept women out of the priesthood, it's worth noting that other faiths, such as Judaism and Anglicans, allow female rabbis and bishops, respectively. Harris expresses his doubts, "Maybe they won't - but I cannot help but believe it will be a big issue."
Despite the ban on female priests, Harris included a pivotal female character in his book, Sister Agnes, to give women a voiced opinion in the Church.
As we approach the secret conclave in the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals are gearing up to vote for the new pope. The process is tightly secured, waiting for that iconic white smoke smoke signal that announces a decision.
Harris pointed out, "The election of the new pope is not just a spiritual exercise, it's a political one as well." He indicates a power struggle between the traditionalists and the progressives eager to continue the reforms initiated by Pope Francis.
Among the front-runners for the papal throne are Luis Tagle, the potential first Asian pope, and Luis Félix Ladaria Ferrer, tipped to be the conciliar conservative. If the next pope reverts to the old guard's ways, Harris anticipates a return to pomp and grandeur.
With the Catholic Church holding considerable power and influence in society, the new pope's stance on women will have a ripple effect on today's pressing issues, such as assisted dying. Harris emphasizes, "This is not just about the Roman Catholic Church, it's a global issue."
Digging Deeper:
- Historical and Modern Roles of Women in the Catholic Church: While women have held significant roles in early Christian communities and Medieval periods, their influence waned in later years. Currently, Pope Francis has fostered reforms and increased women's leadership roles, yet they remain barred from sacramental ordination.
- Towards Women's Ordination: Pope Francis and the Vatican maintain the traditional stance against women's ordination, though critics argue for change. The next pope may face increasing pressure to reconsider or reform the current policy.
- Robert Harris, in his view, considers the upcoming papal election as a significant event, "a profoundly political moment for the world," due to the anticipated stance of the new pope on women's roles within the Church.
- Harris, in his book research, has voiced questions about the Church's historical exclusion of women, stating, "Can it really be the case that Christ did not intend half the world's population to play a full role in spreading his word?"
- As the Cardinals prepare for the conclave, Harris raises the likelihood of the women's issue becoming a pivotal topic, expressing his doubts, "Maybe they won't – but I cannot help but believe it will be a big issue."
- Examining the religious landscape, Harris contrasts the Catholic Church's ban on female priests with faiths like Judaism and Anglicans, which allow female rabbis and bishops, respectively.
- The election of the new pope, Harris suggests, will not only impact the Church but also have global implications, as the Church maintains substantial power and influence in areas such as politics, business, and general news, and the new pope's stance on women will ripple into broader societal discussions, such as assisted dying.
