Cardinal Martini, in final interview, called for 'radical transformation' of Church
September 03, 2012
In a final interview shortly before his death, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini called for a “radical transformation” of the Church, arguing that Catholicism today is “200 years out of date.”
“Our culture has grown old, our churches are big empty spaces, and the clerical bureaucracy grows,” said that Italian prelate, who had long been a champion of liberal views within the European hierarchy. “Our religious ceremonies and the vestments we wear are pompous.”
“The Church is tired,” Cardinal Martini said. He said that Church leaders should find a dozen people who could “think outside the box” to provide guidance for a thorough reform.
Cardinal Martini, the retired Archbishop of Milan died on August 31 of complications from Parkinson’s disease; his funeral was held in Milan on September 3. The interview published by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera was evidently intended for release after his death.
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Further information:
- Chiesa indietro di 200 anni (Corriere della Sera)
- Cardinal Called Church ‘200 Years Out of Date’ Soon Before Death (Reuters)
- Just before death, Martini: 'Church 200 years out of date' (National Catholic Reporter)
- Cardinal Martini, leading liberal papabile, dead at 85 (CWN, 8/31)
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Posted by: cobol39218881 -
Sep. 04, 2012 9:43 AM ET USA
To see the result of liberalism in the Church, look to the US. We can see that prior to the 'reforms' started in 1962, 85% of Catholics attended mass every Sunday. Today, 25% attend and that only those who have remained faithful to the Church. Millions have left the Church. May Jesus Christ bring back the reverence that had so long been given our Lord to our churches and is sadly absent in so many masses today. May God Bless our Holy Catholic Church and the Bishops that guide it.
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Posted by: Kathie -
Sep. 03, 2012 7:14 PM ET USA
How Very Sad!! Pray that our Pope can bring our prelates back to the fold. Regretfully there are many active Catholic Leaders who are weakening our Catholic Faith.
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Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
Sep. 03, 2012 6:11 PM ET USA
I shudder to think what the Church would have been like if this papabile had ever been elected pope! Only the promise of Our Lord to be with His Church for all time prevented this wrecker from being chosen as a Bishop of Rome.
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Posted by: Contrary1995 -
Sep. 03, 2012 5:37 PM ET USA
Cardinal Martini obviously was not in Milan for The World Day of Families this past spring!
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Posted by: koinonia -
Sep. 03, 2012 5:28 PM ET USA
In your charity please pray for the repose of his soul.
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Posted by: filioque -
Sep. 03, 2012 5:27 PM ET USA
The cardinal got it wrong. The Church is 2000 years out of date, thank God.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Sep. 03, 2012 5:26 PM ET USA
Martini and his followers/fellow-travelers are 200 years behind the times--they belong with Rousseau and Voltaire and the rest of the madmen who finished the job of the Protestant Revolutionaries and tore Europe from the faith and then tore the soul out of Europe. May he rest in peace and may God have mercy on all who have nearly destroyed us.
