Pontifex in Extremis

It appears that one of the most enduring papacies in the two-millennium history of the Roman Catholic Church may soon draw to a close, with reports of the Pope's constantly deteriorating health and his receipt of last rites.

Papal succession upon John Paul II's death will mark a turning point for the church: will his successor continue with the socially conservative moral perspective predominating church teachings over the last quarter-century, or will the new Pope liberalise and reform the church? The latter may increase its stature among Westerners moving away from the church, but could potentially alienate persons in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where Catholicism continues to expand.

Intriguing questions for arguably the world's most powerful and influential institution.