Probably the question of a liberal pope is not even worthy of asking, especially if by liberal one means that the next pope will change church's doctrine on abortion, use of contraceptives, divorce or priesthood for women. Liberal pope will most likely continue to be an oxymoron.

The Catholic Church is a very traditional organization. To have a Pope who opposed many of these traditions would be to change their belief systems entirely. Why would they elect such a man and why would he even become a priest in the Catholic tradition? There are other denominations who have accepted the gay community, etc. It's a worthless debate.


*Fixed.

There will never be a "liberal" Pope, but I believe the Catholics will one day change their views on contraseptives. Unfortunately, this will probably not come in the near future.

I don't know if "conservative" and "liberal" are the right terms to use here. Let's not forget the Church's stances on war, the poor, etc.

I'd say the Church will appoint a pope that "continues the same policies as it has". Something along those lines.

I'll edit my post to agree with you

I'd like to see the next pope flip on them.

Get put in standing firm on all of the last pope's stances and then get in there and rain condoms on the southern hemisphere while firing bishops/cardinals and replacing them with women ... married women.

Schpladow!!!

Heh.

I'd also like to say that the Church's consistency over the years is both a positive and a negative. Sometimes it allows them to see through the fog of politicking and take a strong stance on what they believe is right. Other times, of course, they're completely oblivious to opposing what is the right action to take.

I'd argue on the side of it being positive. It's a consistent message, which is good. On the other hand, inflexibility isn't the best thing either. Hmm. At the very least, you DO know where they stand and why, and that counts for a lot.

You should belong to the Cardinals conclave.