George Weigel on the Next Conclave

Completing the work of John Paul II

Historian George Weigel has some interesting thoughts concerning the next papal conclave:

Although the mainstream media may think abortion, birth control and ordaining women to the priesthood are issues to be faced by the next Pope, Mr Weigel disputed this. The three issues that will matter most are the virtual collapse of Christianity in Europe, the rise of militant Islam and the millions of questions that have been posed by the biotechnology revolution, he said. Also to be considered are diplomacy and how the Holy See will participate in foreign affairs. Unless it engages in dialogue with the rest of the world through diplomatic relations, the Vatican becomes ‘little more than a world council of churches’.

Excellent reading on a Friday afternoon.