Is A Liberal Pope Ever Possible ?

[modeller]

In view of the fact the Pope appoints his electorate , the cardinals, in his own image, does that mean , almost inevitably , that Popes will be highly conservative. The Rome based Vatican is out of step with the modern world but nothing changes at the top.
They may have changed the name of the Inquisition but not much of the doctrine.

[emmie]

isn't liberal and pope an oxymoron..

[joggerjayne]

I thought the Pope was chosen by God, who guides the hands of His cardinals to choose the Pope whom God has already really chosen.

It's a bit much to say Sorry God, but I'm outta here.

[Teddio]

The "modernist" reforms approved by the Second Vatican Council in 1962 are still seen as too liberal by Traditionalist Catholics. My £10 punt at Ladbrokes is on a conservative candidate.

[ludwig]

I'd love to see a liberal, reforming pope sneak in under the radar. You know, one of those types that doesn't believe in Genesis or the virgin birth etc. That would be hilarious. Unlikely though.

[sandyRoe]

John 23 was considered liberal. But he was in the early 1960s and might not be considered so today.

[wildwood]

The cardinals selected to do the 'election' are already a bunch of conservative olde phartes, so a liberal one is near impossible.

[birdie1971]

No progressive or liberal pope will ever be appointed in the near future. The current structure of the Catholic Church is predicated on an uncompromising adherence to the scriptures. Since no liberal clergy will be in conclave, the likelihood of a liberal pope is vanishingly small.