(2 of 2)
When he flies to Holland this month or next, Willebrands will find that Simonis' once embattled diocese has calmed down, but Gijsen's domain—where a poll shortly after his appointment showed that a vast majority of priests opposed their new bishop—is as tense as ever. In Holland some married priests continue to wink at Vatican rules and act as ministers in liberal parishes. Attendance at Mass has plummeted 50% in a decade, and in 1973 only seven diocesan priests were ordained. Willebrands has ranked high in speculation on candidates to succeed Paul VI. If he can unify the Dutch church, he might well deserve a promotion.