Germany's Kasper: No need for 'clone' of John Paul II

National Catholic Reporter ^ | 4/17/2005 | Stacy Meichtry

[k omalley]

"Does the Holy Spirit do his work despite the politics?"

I realize that it's practically an article of faith that the Holy Spirit wins the day in the election of a pope but there was an interesting discussion on Amy Welborn's blog about some really bad popes who couldn't possibly have been the Holy Spirit's choice. And what about JPI who was pope for a month?

I'm sure the cardinals can ignore the Holy Spirit, but likewise the Holy Spirit can work even through all the politics involved. And if a bad pope is elected the Holy Spirit can use that for his purposes also. So, I believe that in the long run, the Holy Spirit does win the day, no matter what.

[Ciexyz]

"Another conclave thread", I read 'em all.

[ArrogantBustard]

We know what will happen if Ratzinger is elected pope. The liberal media will be all over his brief involvement with the Hitler youth

Not just the liberal media: all the anti-Catholics on FR will join the chorus.

[Lady In Blue]

You're right about that! And I might add, there's a pretty good number of them on FR. And the sad thing about it is that a number of them belong to Christian denominations. Back when the Pope John Paul II started really to get sick,a lady from Poland asked for prayers for him and you know something,only one or two said that they would.

[siunevada]

Is it not political at all? That's hard for me to believe.

What's the old saying: grace builds upon nature?

Of course human political considerations have their part, the Church is a human as well as a divine institution. The only guarantee is no error in teaching faith and morals.

If you like scary stories, read a history of the popes. We've had some doozies.

[Mr. Jeeves]

We know what will happen if Ratzinger is elected pope. The liberal media will be all over his brief involvement with the Hitler youth.

I can see the New York Post headline now: NAZI POPE IGNORES HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS... ;)

Ratzinger seems like a good man...and that alone should cost him the office.