As the Vatican prepares for the papal conclave, cardinals are looking for a successor to Pope Francis.
While Francis was beloved by many, his leadership style, which was often seen as improvisational.
This lead togrowing calls for a more traditional pope.
The call for a more traditional Pope
Following the death of Pope Francis, a movement within the Vatican seeks a more traditional successor.
Many influential cardinals want to restore stability and governance to the church.
According to David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, they desire a pope who causes less disruption.
David Gibson said, “They want calm and a Vatican that causes as little heartburn as possible. Pope Francis tended to cause heartburn.”
They want someone who can maintain a ‘tighter ship’ for the Church.
Pope Francis’ legacy and controversies
Pope Francis, the first pope from the Americas, made headlines with his provocative statements and progressive stance on various issues.
Pope Francis has advocated for the acceptance of divorcees and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Additionally, he has also criticized capitalism, with his leadership stirring both admiration and controversy.
His unorthodox remarks, such as addressing contraception policies and church governance, fueled debate within the Vatican.
Cardinals seek stability, not necessarily conservatism
The cardinals are not necessarily looking for a “conservative” pope, but rather someone who can restore order and consistency within the Church.
Catholic theologian George Weigel emphasizes the importance of choosing a pope who can teach and embody the fullness of Catholic faith compellingly.
Roberto Regoli, a Church history professor, suggests that cardinals may seek a compromise candidate who can maintain bishops’ autonomy worldwide.
Several names are being discussed as potential candidates for pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is a strong contender due to his global diplomatic experience.
Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk of the Netherlands, who opposes blessings for same-sex couples and gender therapy, is favored by more conservative factions.
Cardinal Robert Sarah from Guinea, known for his stance on the traditional Latin mass, is also in the running.
The Conclave’s political and global context
The election of the next pope comes amid a host of global challenges.
The Vatican must navigate numerous issues, including the ongoing wars, the declining number of faithful and clergy, and its financial stability.
Another key challenge is the Church’s relationship with China.
Luis Badilla, a Vatican analyst, points out the growing importance of global perspectives in the conclave, especially from Asia and Africa.
While traditionalists within the College of Cardinals seek a more conservative pope, they face challenges in garnering support.
Pope Francis appointed around 80% of the current cardinals, which has shifted the balance of power.
American cardinals, including Timothy Dolan and Robert W. McElroy, may play an influential role, but their chances of electing a pope from the U.S. remain slim.
Rising influence of Asian and African Cardinals
There is speculation that the next pope could come from Asia or Africa, where Catholicism is growing rapidly. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka is seen as a contender aligned with the late Pope Benedict XVI’s traditional views. However, experts like George Weigel believe that the odds of electing an Asian or African pope remain low.
Despite the growing influence of Asian and African cardinals, the next pope is likely to come from Europe.
As the continent grapples with a decline in church attendance, European cardinals are seen as having a clear understanding of the Church’s challenges.
American cardinals may exert influence, but the European bloc remains the most powerful.
The loss of cardinal pell and its impact
The unexpected death of Cardinal George Pell in 2023 has had a significant impact on the conclave’s dynamics. Pell, a staunch defender of traditional church teachings, was a key figure among more conservative cardinals. His passing may alter the balance of influence during the election of the next pope.