For Immediate Release

February 14, 2013

 22 Catholic Organizations Call for a Justice-seeking Pope

On Monday, February 11^th, Pope Benedict XVI surprised Catholics worldwide by announcing his resignation. Member organizations of Catholic Organizations for Renewal and Women-Church Convergence made the following statement.

We join Catholics worldwide in praying for the health of Pope Benedict XVI and value his courageous decision to step down from the papacy for the betterment of the church.  At this critical time of transition in church history, we claim our responsibility as committed laity, religious, and clergy in advocating for the selection of a justice-seeking pope, one with a pastoral vision to heal, reform, and renew the Roman Catholic Church.  Throughout the coming weeks, we will encourage our supporters to contact the eleven U.S. cardinals who will represent the United States during the conclave to share our hopes for renewed leadership.

Our prayer is that the newly elected pope will:

·         ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of sexual abuse cases,

·         value open dialogue, academic freedom, and due process,

·         model financial transparency and accountability,

·         work toward the Vatican II call to collegial leadership at every level,

·         consult the laity in the decisions that directly affect them, including selection of their own bishops and the closing of their parishes and schools,

·         consider optional priestly celibacy and reopen the priesthood to married men and resigned priests,

·         incorporate women at all levels of ministry and decision making, including ordination,

·         consult with the Catholic people in developing a sensible church teaching on human sexuality,

·         respect the conscience of every person in regard to matters of their sexuality and reproduction,

·         and challenge environmental degradation, corporate greed, wars and violent responses to societal problems, and denial of basic human rights.

Signed by the following organizations: