Catholic attitudes toward sex and marriage have shifted dramatically over the past fifty years. How should the church respond, pastorally and doctrinally, to this growing disconnect between official teaching and the practice of individual Catholics?

  The death of John Paul II, and the outpouring of affection and admiration it has brought forth from every corner of the globe, has reminded all of us what a remarkable individual he was and what a singular institution the papacy is. We asked six commentators, representing four faith traditions, including Rev. Richard P. McBrien and Stanley Hauerwas, to make a preliminary assessment of the significance of the late pope’s life, thought, and ministry.