[The camera zooms on the pontiff, a somewhat heavy-set man. He reaches the microphone, looks out at the crowd, and begins to speak in Irish-flavored English. “May God’s blessing be upon you all, and upon His Holy Church and all humankind.” [He makes the sign of the cross, then gazes out at the assembled crowd.]
“As an official of the Church, it was my privilege to have been sent by the two most recent popes, as their emissary to one country and another throughout the world. In that role, I witnessed much poverty and hardship, much cruelty and greed, much anger and hatefulness. And received much food for thought, some of it sour in my mouth.
“Also, as a pastor and theologian, it has been my lifelong duty and privilege to study and meditate on many matters pertaining to God and his flock—which is all of humankind—and to Church law, precedent, and tradition. On various occasions it was my privilege and honor to be called into the presence of the Holy Father, to confer with him, answer his questions, and advise him to the best of my knowledge and understanding, on a number of matters important to the Church and humankind.
“I have witnessed each of those noble and holy men as they pondered and meditated on the matters we discussed. Often I was called back for additional consultation and examination, for in such matters, none of them acted without careful deliberation. They felt their responsibilities deeply, and treated them accordingly.
“But when they decided, they acted firmly, without fear, as God’s emissary on Earth.
“Recently it became my time to carry that responsibility, and heavy though it is, I bear it gladly, for what a privilege it is to serve God in this role!
“Humankind and the Holy Church exist together as inseparable spiritual entities on a physical Earth. And humankind is unquestionably changing, evolving in mind and spirit—evolving toward a freedom of the spirit. And like many adolescent boys and adolescent girls discovering freedom of action, far too many have not discovered responsibility, restraint, and humility.
“Look about you. What do you see when you examine our billions of fellow humans? An evolution toward goodness? Toward the love and compassion of God? Or toward chaos, darkness, death? And who is to guide them? For in this instance we are not talking just about children. Parents, grandparents, officials, rulers, all need guidance.
“Look about you, I say! It is the function and duty of the Holy Church to lead people in right ways for God’s sake and their own. Lead them! Not force them! Not threaten them! It’s not coercion that’s needed! Coercion leads not to understanding and compassion, but to hardening of the spirit. Threats lead not to love, but to fearful obedience—and hidden rebellion. We must—lead them . . . teach them . . . by our deeds and compassion as well as by our words!”
[The pope pauses, scans his audience.]
“We have not been doing our job adequately. Can you not see it? Look at history! And more importantly, look at the world of today! ‘We’re trying!’ you say? Of course we are. But in these times, for every step forward, we’re sliding one back, and the slope grows more slippery.
“It is a time for change. A change in ourselves, in our attitudes. A change in our ministry. It’s a time to change from following our own arrogant preferences, and try instead the way of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Not a convenient time: Events do not wait on our convenience! It is change—or see long centuries of earnest dedication and work founder and sink in a growing sea of greed, violence and hatred.
“There have been other times when change was urgently needed, and the Church responded. Most recent was the Second Vatican Council. In July a Third Vatican Council will be convened, to address important—vital!—areas of needed change. And we will not fail to act effectively!
“One aspect of the Church most urgently needing change is our attitude toward world population. Do not delude yourself! It is still a problem! On this matter, there are difficult questions to be debated and decided on. We will examine it in earnest, debate and meditate on it, and finally define what we will do about it.