Portside

Pope Francis, in his messages and appointments, seems to be steering the Roman Catholic Church into more moderate terrain, away from some of the conservative ideological interpretations of the recent period. Jim Williams reviews The Radical Jesus. "Who was Jesus anyway? What did his life and teaching mean? There are so many views - from the Religious Right to Rev. Cornell West. My view is that Jesus is whoever you want him to be. You can find the quotes to fit."

Pope Francis makes it clear in his Apostolic Exhortation "EVANGELII GAUDIUM" that he shares little in common with U.S. conservatives.

The Vatican has been turned upside down, but can he ensure that his radical changes to the Church will last?

Argentine Pope Will Make History, but Backs Vatican Line

Will the next pope embrace liberation theology? The conventional answer would be: fat chance. However, without going too far out on a limb, one could also answer in the affirmative. In their own ways, both responses will likely be correct.