General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Pope is resigning? [View all]hlthe2b
(102,226 posts)and like all heads of states--places "his" people in positions worldwide (from Cardinals, Bishops on down the chain) to maintain his direction.
For all those Catholics that want to see the Church change in terms of its policies towards the role of women in the church, birth control, homosexuality, fiscal policies that harm the poor, and countless other issues, it won't happen unless the POPE decides it will happen. And having seen how this can impact US elections, the effective fight against birth control provisions of Obamacare, and other issues, I again ask you how you can question that this man has power.
I have considerable disdain for the whole system (though not for Catholics in general) and certainly the current Pope, but those are the facts.