So what are the chances this new Pope will be AT ALL progressive?

[A HERETIC I AM]

I dont expect him to allow women priests but what are the chances he might move a little more into the 21st century regarding birth control, for instance? Thoughts?

[arwalden]

1. ZERO!

This is not divine... it's political... and JP appointed nearly all of the ones who voted for the new pope. What better way to let the world and society and science and medicine advance around you while remaining true to their bigoted ways?

Look for NO changes... expect the worst, and you won't be disappointed.

[A HERETIC I AM]

13. Absolutely it is political...i agree completely....

The Pope has been a political figurehead for centuries....hell, since the idea for one came about. At least John Paul recognized evolution as fact. That was somewhat of a plus. As a poster below said, this new one could surprise. We can only hope. Hope for a non dopey Pope!

[Dhalgren]

2. IMO - zero to none...

[Walt Starr]

3. Absolute Zero

Sorry, three ballots giving a new Pope is an almost certain indication fo teh Church taking a far right turn.

Expect Ratzinger.

[Maiden England]

8. wasn't JP I elected very quickly

and by all accounts he was up for drastically reforming the church, until, he, died, very shortly after that became known.

[Walt Starr]

14. Yes, but he was following a reformer

The sitting Pope has a lot of input into who succeeds him by placing so many of the voting Cardinals in place.

JPII was radically conservative.

[efhmc]

4. Less than zip.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. Popes can be like SC Justices.

They can surprise a turd out of you.

Just sayin'...

[mirandaod]

6. Not much chance of a progressive, I think.

The most we can hope for is someone who is strong on social justice and peace issues, maybe one from South America. I just pray it isn't the one who's likely to try to take us back to the inquisition.

[Nite Owl]

7. Me too

I don't think we can expect more than that. Soon enough and we will know.

[napi21]

9. I would say close to zero as well. The Church is NOT a

progressive organization in any way.

As a Catholic, I do wish the Church would adjust it's view on birth control and married priests, but don't forget, even in it's current teachings, most fundies condemn the Catholic Church on it's opinion on the death penalty and wars.

[Montauk6]

10. I heard Arinze is much farther to the right of JPII

[Wapsie B]

11. If there were a progressive Pope

I think the catholic fundies/Opus Dei crowd would be gunning for him. Literally.

[RetroLounge]

12. Zilch. Zero. Bupkis. No chance in Hell

RL

[golden voyages]

15. Am I the only one hoping Father Guido Sarducci emerges from the window?

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

16. heh heh

that would be great

or for no apparent reason, frank stallone

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

17. It's Ratzinger. Even more conservative than JPII.

[Edgewater_Joe]

18. Slim, None, and Slim Left Town

HAIL BENEDICT XVI - THE FOX NEWS POPE

[kcwayne]

19. Progressive - Zero REgressive 100%

Welcome to the middle ages.

Now will all the wimmen folk get their asses back in the kitchen, get pregnant, shut up, and wear some modest clothing?? If that is an impediment to getting pregnant, then have your husband flog himself 30 times for thinking impure thoughts.

[monobrau]

20. Progressively worse

Fuck these pigs. We will not stay in the 14th century, and I will personally smack anybody who stands with these assholes.

[JerseygirlCT]

21. There is no chance whatsoever. nt

[leftchick]

22. LESS than Zero

he has no progressive policies for woman.