In Spain, Ireland, and Poland, men and women do not differ significantly on the election of bishops or most other items. After a generation of private opposition to Vatican teachings on sexual conduct, Catholics from a wide variety of nations in Europe and from the United States call for institutional reforms that will reflect the pluralism in the church. Large majorities support changes that will open the church in ways that will allow many voices to be heard. Through electing bishops, advising bishops and the pope himself, and exercising some degree of local autonomy, lay Catholics could carve a more influential niche for themselves. They hope that the next pope will accord them the opportunity.
Catholics also support changes in the clergy.
They like the idea that priests might marry. In Italy, a clear majority also agrees. The Polish and Filipino Catholics oppose ordaining women. Against those tempted to dismiss these findings on the grounds that the Church is not a democracy and hence the Cardinal-electors need not consider the wishes of the laity we offer the arguments of prudence and history. While not required to consider the views of the laity, the Cardinal-electors would be very well advised to do so.