What topics do you think are important for the next Pope to address in the Church and in the world?
I honestly am not very familiar with all of the duties of a pope. However, I am aware of the more recent issues that the Church is facing. The world is changing rapidly. I think that the next pope must be ready to sort of modernize the Church. Because equality between men and women is so prevalent, I think that women should be given more roles in the Church.
What do you imagine the future of the Church needs? What are some of the challenges the future pope might face?
I believe that today the Church is known more for what it opposes: abortion, same sex marriage, women's ordination. It is also now thought of negatively because of the sex abuse scandal. The future pope may face a challenge in reestablishing a good name for the Church.
What’s it like to be a woman in the Church? What do women in the Church need?
Women in the Church need to be recognized more. It is taught that men and women are equal in the eyes of God, so women should be given equal privileges. The opinion and advice of women would be extremely useful in the Church.
If you could change one thing in the Church, what would it be? Why?
I would probably change the role of women. Before my theology classes at The Mount, I was unaware of the little influence women have in the Church. Women offer a different point of view and could potentially help the church in reestablishing itself.
Is there room for democracy within the hierarchy of the Church in its current condition? Does/ How does the Holy Spirit work through the hierarchy?
Yes, I believe that there is room for democracy. With recent events, it is obvious that there is change needed within the Church. Democracy may help the Church modernize and deal with social and economic issues. The Holy Spirit inspires the hierarchy to make decisions that are beneficial to the Church and everyone in it.
