The fact that much of the Church throughout the Western world is doing its own thing, often in direct defiance of Vatican doctrines.
The fact that so many Catholics regard abortion as OK, and their local churches support them in that view.
I know JPII was always going to be a hard act to follow, but I'm a little disappointed in Benedict so far.
After only a couple of months? The liturgy is one thing and the most important thing because it deals with how we worship GOD! If we can get that right, a lot of other things will fall into place. BTW, it's up to Catholics to read up on their faith and inform their conciences. The Church can't do everything for them.
The restoration of the liturgy is necessary to reigning in the so-called "Spirit of Vatican II." I predict that Mass attendance will improve dramatically now that B16 is going to stop the insanity. The liturgy of Novus Ordo Masses are just too open to abuse. Altar girls, Eucharistic ministers, lay readers, Mass facing the people, no Communion rail, guitars instead of an organ, Communion under both kinds, liturgical dancers, and the responsorial psalm where we have to repeat the same sentence in a monotone like zombies have played a part in driving people away from Mass. If we go back to praying like Catholics, we will eventually go back to believing and behaving like Catholics, too.
...I'm a little disappointed in Benedict so far.
Not me. I absolutely adore this magnificent, humble man. Long live Pope Benedict XVI.
It's not an either/or situation. It's not a case of sorting out the liturgy or dealing with dissent. Both need to be addressed. This is his starting point. It doesn't mean he won't get to grips with the problems which concern you.....and all of us.
The form of worship in St. Peter's is something which can be altered in the blink of an eye. The other stuff, such as Church discipline is something which will need to be an ongoing effort.
Wow. I know we're in the age of high-speed technology, but give the guy some time to work on it. He's already started purging these liberal voices in a very public manner. How can you possibly pass judgment on his his reign at this point?
You said Pope Benedict has been a disappointment because
...much of the Church throughout the Western world is doing its own thing... so many Catholics regard abortion as OK, and their local churches support them in that view.
Are you saying that JPII left the Church in a mess?