Papal Conclave

I loved visiting the Villa and hearing all about the nuns opinions on the Church and who they wanted for the next pope. I was very surprised to hear that they were not in favor of many traditional Church ideas and wanted to see change, especially in making women priests. 1. I think it’s important that the pope addresses the topics that are commonly debated over in the United States, such as marriage rights for gays. The Bible teaches us that all men were created equal, yet we still don’t see that equality in the Church’s views and I believe that its important that homosexual couples looking to receive the sacrament of matrimony should be allowed because they are just as worthy as any heterosexual couple. Another issue over equality in the Church is women’s role in the Church community. Many of us are now wondering, especially with modern views of empowering women and the decreasing number of men becoming priests, if women should be allowed to be more than just lay people and nuns. Women can be just as religious and involved in the Church community as men so I think that women should be allowed to be priests, or at least deacons. I also think that priests should be allowed to be married, especially since the number of priests in America is dwindling. I know that not all these issues are “hot-button topics” around the rest of the world, but here in the United States, we would like to see them addressed. 2. Like I said above, I believe that women and married men should be considered for priesthood. The number of men becoming priests in the United States is dwindling and I believe that women and married men would be just as influential and capable of leading a Church community as any unmarried man would. I also think that the pope should consider influences Church communities around the world to reach out to younger generations. Our generation feels out of place sometimes in the Church because much of the Church’s views and traditions are old-fashioned and many homilies don’t seem to relate to us. When there are fun, interesting youth groups and discussions, younger people might become more religious and inspired. After all, we will be the next generation of “older people” leading the Church. I also think that the pope will face many challenges regarding the sex scandals. I believe he should address these scandals with honesty, no matter how tough the subject may be. 3. How each woman feels about their roles in the Church definitely depends on which woman you’re talking to. Many women are fine with the fact that all leadership roles go to males and that as a woman, we can either be simply members, lay people, or nuns, but not priests, bishops, etc. Many women, however, want more power and role in the Church. After all, aren’t we all equal in God’s eyes? I tend to side toward this idea because I believe that women should have more of a say and higher positions in the Church community in order to be treated equally. 4. I think I would change the way that—at least in my Church community—so much of Mass and other Church activities are traditional and geared towards the older generations. I think that the Church should encourage more youth groups and fun activities for younger members in order for our younger generation to be more interested in faith. I think even homilies should start to be geared toward all ages because the sad truth is that many people—young and old, but especially young—tune out the priest’s lecture because they find it “boring” and “the same as always.” 5. I don’t think that Church’s hierarchy is too overpowering. There is definitely democracy, but I think that more change and freedom should still be given. For example, women and unmarried men should be allowed to enter the priesthood. The Holy Spirit will guide these priests to fulfill their duties, no matter their gender or relationships.