Published: May 1, 2005

Philosophical Differences

The open-mindedness of publicly funded Catholic schools in Canada challenges American preconceptions.

The lively class discussion was about gay marriage. And it took place at Immaculata High—yes, a Catholic school.

“I don’t see why the church can’t change its views; it’s like a pride issue,” argued Dylan Matheson, a 17-year-old senior. “Maybe when the pope gets de-popified.”

“You mean dies,” said 43-year-old Thomas Aquinas Conklin. He flicked on the fluorescent lights to brighten the room. Outside, a cold drizzle leaked from a slate-colored sky. It was Friday morning, December 10, a week before Christmas break and months before John Paul II would become deathly ill. “I think this pope acts on what he truly believes,” Conklin continued. “Remember, the church is very conservative and wants to...