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The Documentary; The Next Pope

The Documentary: The Next Pope

15/02/2013

The Next Pope

BBC World Service - The Documentary, The Next Pope

What kind of Pope does the Catholic Church need? A conservative or a reformer?

What kind of Pope does the Catholic Church need? A conservative or a reformer? Dan Damon joins Vatican experts and religious leaders to examine the future of the papacy.

*** This programme was broadcast on 15 February 2013 ***

In a surprise announcement the present Pope has declared his intention to stand down by the end of this month. Pope Benedict's decision might have huge ramifications for the church, with speculation that a non-European could be elected by the Cardinals to take his place. It is a time when issues of faith and doctrine are to the fore, and when the church's own conduct has been under scrutiny. Dan Damon asks: where has the eight-year reign of Pope Benedict left the Church? And who does it look to now as a spiritual leader - a conservative or a reformer?

(Photo: The back of Pope Benedict's head. Credit: AFP)

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