April 13, 2005

Tune In to Last Gasps of Patriarchy in Rome

Women's News

(WOMENSENEWS)--Not since medieval times has the transition of power in Rome commanded such attention from those in power as well as from common people.

We watched Act I, death of a holy man, followed by Act II, the world's great and humble paying tribute to Pope John Paul II, whose contributions earned international respect. Now we await Act III, election of a new pope. ...

And it's likely that the immense, unavoidable news coverage of the Vatican this month will make male control of ecclesial power ever more visible and obviously out of step with the world.

U.S. Catholics, in particular, may have a strong reaction to the spectacle of Cardinal Bernard F. Law, forced to resign as head of the Boston archdiocese in the sexual abuse scandal, given the honor of leading a memorial Mass for the pope from the altar of St. Peter's Basilica.

Posted by kshaw at April 13, 2005 07:03 AM