Andrei Codrescu, author and NPR commentator
"One might say that this was a pope for the times, but now the times have changed."

Sister Melissa Petrie, teacher, Institute of the Sisters of Mercy
"A woman's role in the Church is vital, we are told, yet women are unable to be in key positions."

Father Bill Watson, Jesuit priest, Georgetown University
"He will spark the reunification of Eastern and Western Christendom and a global spiritual renewal."

Anika Rahman, lawyer, Center for Reproductive Law and Policy
"The Pope must apologize to the women of the world for robbing them of rights inherent to their humanity."

Frances Kissling, president, Catholics for a Free Choice
"He has shut out all Catholics who have dared to differ, to doubt, to dream."

Jude R. Dougherty, dean of the Catholic University's School of  Philosophy
"Today the Pope is almost alone as a major defender of a once common morality."

Mike Lesperance, a gay Catholic offended by the Church's stand on homosexuality
"A person can be a Catholic and still disagree with Catholic dogma."

Ken Hackett, executive director of Catholic Relief Services
"His heart is with all the people of the world, rich and poor alike."

Rianne Eisler, feminist and cultural historian
"There is growing evidence that there were women disciples of Jesus."

Andy Anderson, an activist who legally changed his name in 1987 to Pro-Life Andy
"The Catholic Church does permit birth control in a natural manner."

David Yiel, a student and devout Catholic
"If he can bring joy to the people... then he should pray for them."

An Internet user
"I know he's just trying to shape us into good Christians, but he's losing our attention by condemning us."

Ed Mechmann, an online subscriber
"Anyone with an open mind... cannot help but be impressed by his powerful and comprehensive understanding of the very nature of humanity."