Kane: Bold Reforms for a Better Catholic Church

By Paul V. Kane
Newsday
May 2, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/kane-bold-reforms-for-a-better-catholic-church-1.7899028

With three bold reforms, Pope Francis can reinvigorate the billion-strong Catholic tradition, spur a renaissance in church attitudes, bring redemption for past failings, and give hope to the many poor and ordinary people of our world.

While predecessor popes sought to circle the wagons in defense, evangelize and convert the rest of the world, since becoming head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has sought instead to "convert the church." The last 50 years have seen the priorities and conduct of the Catholic Church become muddled. The church has had an abundance of leaders, but a deficit of real leadership. But in 2013, the extraordinary happened, Jorge Bergoglio became Pope Francis.

A rare man and gifted leader, who lives the message of Jesus.

The reforms needed today are right in front of us, but they will not be easily seen.

First, the mandatory retirement age for bishops and cardinals should be dropped to age 70.

Exceptional leaders over age 70 should be given waivers to continue serving.

From 1978 to 2012, it became more important to church officials to promote men into leadership whose orthodoxy and embrace of traditionalism were beyond question. Many were ascetics. Most were possessed by a severe theology that saw the church under siege in a hostile world.