The present pontificate, with all its confusion, could very well represent, if not the terminal phase of the post Vatican II era, at least a position leading right into it. That is, of course, as long as there are churchmen determined to drawn a line and start fresh.
Undoubtedly, we find ourselves today in an atmosphere of pre-conclave[1]. This doesn’t mean that cardinal electors will have to meet in the Sistine Chapel tomorrow, but when the day comes the Preparatory General Congregations will meet, we can only hope that a sincere assessment of the situation will be made, leading to a courageous examination of conscience. If not, can we at least count on a progressive approach to reality where the Catholic forces that are still alive today would be left in peace and allowed to grow.
A pessimist situation
We have pointed out in the past that among the highest-ranking prelates, not only conservatives but also some progressives, there is now a strong and very pessimist awareness of the …More