The Pope's Role Has Changed in Our Time. But Has the Church?
Briefly

The article discusses the evolution of the papacy from a rigid traditional institution to a more approachable and influential presence within global Catholicism. Highlighting key figures like John XXIII and events like the Second Vatican Council, it illustrates how the papacy increasingly adopts a dual identity of monarch and relatable figure. The experiences of Popes throughout recent history reveal a continuous deepening of the Pope's role, transcending former boundaries of clericalism to engage with ordinary Catholics and interfaith dialogue in modern society.
The papacy's evolution reflects a significant shift from strict traditionalism to a role imbued with personality and humor, increasingly becoming central to global Catholic life.
The Second Vatican Council aimed to decentralize papal authority, promoting a vision of the Church as 'the people of God', yet the Pope’s influence intensified in modern times.
Pope John XXIII’s charm and the impactful events following Vatican II catalyzed a transformation in how the papacy is perceived in contemporary Catholicism.
Decades later, John Paul II's interfaith engagements showcased a newfound openness and connection from the papacy, symbolizing the Church’s evolving role in the world.
Read at The New Yorker
[
|
]