American Catholics favor lenient pope

Blanca Valle's words embody what challenges the Catholic Church in America. "I believe that everyone should have their own opinion on abortion, capital punishment, birth control,' said the 23-year-old Victoria's Secret sales clerk.

Believing that Jesus was the Christ is essential to her faith, the Fontana Catholic woman said. The rest is open to interpretation.

Moral relativism at its finest, yes? Perhaps she (and others) have not heard the words of Jesus, "He who hears you hears Me" (Luke 10:16).

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council said in "Lumen gentium" #20:
"This sacred Council teaches that the Bishops, from divine institution, have taken the place of the Apostles, as the pastors of the Church: he who hears them, hears Christ; he who spurns them, spurns Christ, and Him who sent Christ".

Polls taken since John Paul's death indicate a majority of American Catholics think the Vatican should allow priests to marry and women to be ordained. About 80 percent told Gallup the next pope should permit the use of birth control.

If these figures are to be believed, one can legitimately wonder, "When the Son of man comes, will He find faith on earth?" (Lk 18:8).

What a tremendous and daunting task remains for faithful Catholics to re-evangelize and re-catechize their lost brothers and sisters. May God grant His faithful the patience, strength, and wisdom to help our bishops and priests in this endeavor.

Full article here.