By RENÉ BREUEL
The unexpected resignation of Benedict XVI and the election of his successor, Francis, have lifted into the mainstream conversation scenarios and proposals for the future of Catholicism and of Christianity in general. One of the most promising proposals comes from George Weigel, whose previous books include Witness to Hope, his bestselling biography of John Paul II, and The Courage to Be Catholic. Weigel’s new vision for the future of the Church was published just in time for the ecclesial kairos, a week before Benedict’s historic announcement, and is prominent not only for its timing and Weigel’s stature, but also for the direction he points to: the book is called Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st-Century Church. It is a title sure to tickle evangelical ears.