I was raised Catholic but I'm pretty much atheist these days and kind of vague on the details. However by my vague recollection the Pope is essentially standing in for Jesus and kind of a direct conduit for God's instruction. I guess as the main figure head he pretty much leads the way so I guess it's exciting for reformists to get their hopes up for a new era of enlightenment. I don't see the Catholic church as being able to reconcile much with modern values though. Jesuits are pretty cool on the street level but still have to toe the party line.
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