Papal End Game

Some fifteen years ago, Cardinal John Baptist Montini was unanimously elected as Pope Paul VI in Conclave 81. Now, as the preparations go forward for Conclave 82, at which his successor must be elected, it is clear that Paul will leave a legacy of deep division to his Church members, and of sharp crisis to the 115 cardinal-electors caught in the end game of his papal policy.

From the beginning of his pontificate, Paul has struck two notes that outsiders could only see as contradictory. Under certain doctrinal headings—contraception, abortion, papal infallibility, ordination of women—he took the traditional, hard-line, right-wing stance of all his predecessors: no change. But in the day-to-day administration of Church government and finances, and in international politics and diplomacy, he has supported the left wing, harassed and isolated the right wing, and conducted a series of intricate negotiations with Moscow and Eastern European governments. He has thus led his Church to the point where the only logical choice open to the cardinal-electors of Conclave 82 will be a cardinal ready to arrange an accommodation with Communist politicians in the four predominantly Catholic countries of Western Europe and in the countries of Latin America. There is more than one such papal candidate among the cardinal-electors.

MM

About the Author

Malachi B. Martin

Some fifteen years ago, Cardinal John Baptist Montini was unanimously elected as Pope Paul VI in Conclave 81. Now, as the preparations go forward for Conclave 82, at which his successor must be elected, it is clear that Paul will leave a legacy of deep division to his Church members, and of sharp crisis to the 115 cardinal-electors caught in the end game of his papal policy.

From the beginning of his pontificate, Paul has struck two notes that outsiders could only see as contradictory. Under certain doctrinal headings—contraception, abortion, papal infallibility, ordination of women—he took the traditional, hard-line, right-wing stance of all his predecessors: no change. But in the day-to-day administration of Church government and finances, and in international politics and diplomacy, he has supported the left wing, harassed and isolated the right wing, and conducted a series of intricate negotiations with Moscow and Eastern European governments. He has thus led his Church to the point where the only logical choice open to the cardinal-electors of Conclave 82 will be a cardinal ready to arrange an accommodation with Communist politicians in the four predominantly Catholic countries of Western Europe and in the countries of Latin America. There is more than one such papal candidate among the cardinal-electors.