From Africa to Asia: The Papal Race Mirrors a Transforming Catholic Church
VATICAN CITY — Faith tells them the decision is made from Heaven and passed on to the cardinals in the silence of the Sistine Chapel.
However, there are human qualities that the cardinals take into account as they vote for the individual who will guide the Catholic Church through evolving periods.
"The conclave will be somewhat akin to a retreat, so I'm looking forward to it," said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.
Cardinal Dolan knows what to expect after helping elect Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 2013.
Next, he will meet with over 130 cardinals assembled at the Vatican to choose the new head of the Catholic Church. Out of those eligible to vote, 108, which constitutes 80%, were appointed by Pope Francis.
"I often joke that each time Pope Francis appointed new cardinals, I needed to pull out National Geographic to locate the countries they came from, but it was a smart strategy," he remarked.
A move to expand the church’s reach and now perhaps the potential list of favorites that include names from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
Eleven potential candidates for the papacy have surfaced. Among these, five have remained at the forefront consistently; however, during the previous conclave, several cardinals were also considered as viable options for becoming the next Pope.
Initially, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The 70-year-old Italian, who holds one of the top positions among cardinals in the electing conclave, is recognized by everyone and could be attractive to all due to his reputation as a "practical" moderate.
At 67 years old, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, frequently called the Philippine Francis, stands out as the most progressive contender. He has taken issue with how the Catholic Church addresses and speaks about homosexual individuals.
Cardinal Peter Erdö, who has a devotion to Mary similar to that of Pope Francis, does not align with these tendencies.
Erdo, a 72-year-old Hungarian, is far more conservative, speaking out against divorced Catholics receiving holy communion. He was a Pope John Paul II appointee.
Pope Francis elevated Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, another Italian who is considered the deceased pope’s favorite to replace him. He went on a peace mission to Ukraine and visited the United States since his appointment in 2019.
Cardinal Peter Turkson would be the first African pope since the fifth century.
The 76-year-old from Ghana has grown in popularity as the number of Catholics has swelled in Africa since he was first mentioned as a pope contender in 2013.
Rounding out the list is traditionalist Cardinal Raymond Lee Burke, an American who criticized President Biden for receiving communion and supporting abortion.
African Cardinal Robert Sarah just makes the cut to join the conclave at 79-years-old; the limit is 80. The conservative opposes recognizing homosexuality in African countries.
The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, a middle of the road candidate, could offer a compromise between liberal and conservative factions among cardinals. He turns 80 in November.
Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet is already too old to vote at age 80 but can still get votes and potentially become the next pope. He has been one of the loudest voices for change in the wake of the Church’s sex abuse scandals.
Cardinal Pier Battista Pizzaballa, who previously served in Jerusalem, calls for an end to the humanitarian crisis and conflict in Gaza. However, this effort faces challenges since he has held his position as cardinal for just over a year and a half.
In late 2023, Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American from South Holland, rose to prominence. He is familiar to almost every cardinal because of his significant role in the Vatican administration.
He could be a middle-ground choice, attracting support from people who back Pope Francis' reforms as well as those who want to revert to more conventional practices.
The method for selecting a pope remains mysterious, as does the accompanying silence.
Upon entering the conclave, it becomes 99% silent," according to Cardinal Dolan. "There are four votes each day, with two sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon. The time involves extensive praying and much waiting.
Following every ballot, smoke ascends from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Dark smoke indicates an absence of a decisive vote. Conversely, bright white smoke announces that a new pope has been elected.
It required two days for Francis.
A short while after the last ballot, the newly elected pope is taken to a chamber where they wear their traditional white garments for the first time. Following this, it’s time to address the public globally.
Popes remain fundamentally unchanged, but their approach may vary, and everyone admired Pope Francis' method for being humble and straightforward," stated Cardinal Dolan. "However, Benedict possessed remarkable intelligence, whereas John Paul II was marked by his profound inner belief. I believe we could identify someone who embodies elements from both.
Finding that mosaic of previous popes is the task ahead. Cardinal Dolan said they received some sage advice ahead of the 2013 conclave.
“Don’t be afraid because the Holy Spirit has already chosen the next pope. Your job is to find out who he’s chosen,” he said.
Specialists anticipate that this gathering won’t go on for an extended period. Contrary to what happened in 2013, this electoral process has garnered significant attention, with even Las Vegas establishing betting odds on the contenders.
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