James Bretzke

I think genuinely he's looking forward now, saying women have to... by James Bretzke

I think genuinely he's looking forward now, saying women have to have a greater role in the Church.

In Catholic Church teaching, some would say it would be acceptable to try to prevent conception in cases like this.

It'll be interesting to see whether and how Catholic leaders in t... by James Bretzke

It'll be interesting to see whether and how Catholic leaders in these countries weigh in.

The fact of climate change will be accepted and underscored, i think it would be a safe bet to suggest that the encyclical will be fairly concrete and specific and that there will likely be some specific ethical calls for action that will cause a certain amount of discomfort to a broad range of various populations from First World manufacturers to emerging Third World economies such as China.

What Pope Francis can do is solidify his base among the more centrist and center-left (bishops) and make it clear that he doesn't want to punish or exclude anyone, but also make it clear that he is going to continue with this basic approach, which is pastoral outreach.