Rebuilding the Church: Pope Francis and After

The unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI followed bythe election of Pope Francis of quite a different mould hasintroduced into the Church not more theological discourse, butsignifi cant theological action a constant preaching, where words areused only when necessary. This book presents four essays starting withan imaginary trajectory of the Church during the next hundred years where a new style of leadership in the church renews its strength andvigour by co-opting competent and committed laity. Will this dreamever be realized? The contention of the author is that it can, because hisdreams are consonant with the doctrinal heritage of the Catholic Church,as he indicates in the notes. His prayer and wish is that it becomes areality. The second essay suggests a pastoral approach that could pavethe way to facilitate the emergence of such a situation. The third essayis a theological elaboration of the place of the teaching authority of thechurch. The fourth essay is a short article which indicates that changehas taken place and will continue to take place in the Church.