<p>The Catholic Church has been nearly destroyed by its resistance to change censured for its abuses. Pope Francis has promised reform: radical theologian Hans K&#252;ng here presents what Catholics have long been yearning for: modern responses to the challenges of a modern world.</p> <p>In 1962 the Second Vatican Council met in the hope they could in the words of Pope John XXIII &#8216;open the windows of the Church and let some fresh air in.&#8217; Hans K&#252;ng and Joseph Ratzinger the future pope were both there.</p> <p>In Can We Save the Catholic Church? Kung relates how after fifty years the Church has only grown more conservative. Refusing to open dialogue on celibacy for priests; the role of women in the priesthood; homosexuality; or the use of contraception even to prevent AIDS the Papacy has lost touch. Now amid widespread disillusion over child abuse the future of Catholicism is in crisis.</p> <p>Pope Francis seems sincere in his wish for a more compassionate Church. The time is ripe for reform and here K&#252;ng calls for a complete renewal of the Church. As grassroots support grows Can We Save the Catholic Church? makes an inspiring and compelling case for offering a new Catholicism to the modern world.</p>