Reformist Belgian Cardinal a possible successor to John Paul II

[Cascadian]

It would appear that Pope John Paul II is not long for this world. The stories that say "he is not in any danger" or the like just does not wash. I am convinced he will be gone by the end of the year. The list of successors is already being written up. Among the Cardinals who could replace is the Cardinal of Malines-Brussels Godfried Daneels. This man is seen as a progressive reformer within the church. One who is in favor of condoms as contreception. He is also in favor of future popes stepping down as opposing to dying in office. It is not known what his views are in concern with the widespread allegations of child molesation within the Church. Cardinal Daneels has said that there are major changes needed within the Catholic Church. Here are a couple of articles in regard to the Cardinal...

http://www.proconcil.org/document/Felice%20Pace%201.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story/0,12272,1403083,00.html?gusrc=rss

http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/documents/JA10-15.htm


Regardless of whether you are Catholic or not (I was one once, now I am Agnostic!), the Roman Catholic Church is in need of some major changes if it is going to survive. Of course, it is going to be down to the Vatican hierarchy for those changes to be made. The election of Cardinal Daneels would be a major step.


John

ON EDIT... Added another article.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Thought Ratzenberger the Inquisitor was most likely to succeed him.

[Warpy]

2. He is. With Catholics questioning papal authority on issues

the papacy knows jack shit about like reproduction, the Church will do what it always does and appoint the most arrogant fourteenth century theologian in its ranks.

Reformer? Nah, not Rome.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. That is exactly wha tI had heard. Was surprised to read about a reformer

being discussed as the successor.

[Rowdyboy]

4. John Paul II has so thoroughly stacked the College of Cardinals

with conservatives that I fear the church is headed for more of the same intolerence it has exhibited over the last 20 years. If so, it will be a tragedy.

[IronLionZion]

5. It would be nice to see progressive leadership

A return to the traditional goal of helping the poor, sick, elderly, and others would be be nice but I wish religion would stay out of politics. I'm sick of seeing Republican propaganda handed out after mass, and I don't want to see Democratic propaganda either.