Catholic Church Initiates Pope Succession: Characteristics Sought in the Next Pontiff
In 2023, as the cardinals gather for a new papal conclave following Pope Francis's demise, analysts predict a shift in the qualities desired in the new pontiff. Unlike in 2013, when the search was on for a powerful communicator unhinged enough to reform an institute marred by scandals, the electors now seek a composed figure who can mend a Church shaken by Francis's revolutionary reign.
Andrea Gagliarducci, a Vatican analyst at the Catholic News Agency, stated, "Francis was selected because he wouldn't shy away from causing chaos and reform. The next pope must be someone who can bring calm."
A Call for Unity
The objective back in 2013 was to transfer the Church's gravitational center from Europe to Latin America, indicating Latin America's growing Christian influence, and to restore order within the Curia, perceived as a corrupt and dysfunctional body. Pope Francis didn't hold back from the task, disrupting the status quo with a radical tone and priority shift, causing excitement among reformers but dismay among conservatives.
His actions, such as permitting priests to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances and overhauling Vatican bureaucracy, infuriated many. His unpredictable governing style, which relied on a close-knit group of confidants and diminished the power of the Church's central government, stirred tensions.
However, Francis also disappointed some liberal voices as his changes never seemed to result in fundamental reforms within the Church's doctrine, particularly concerning the role of women and same-sex marriage. The consensus now is that the cardinals must focus on choosing a reassuring figure—someone who won't undo progress, but also won't push boundaries excessively.
Massimo Franco, a political columnist for Corriere della Sera and author of eight books about the Vatican, stated, "We must select a pope who finds unity in the Church's diversity, maintains love for the less fortunate, pays attention to the most marginalized, but also rebuilds, and not restores, the governing institutions of the Church."
Candidates and Contenders
Names circulating include Louis Antonio Tagle, 65, a progressive ally of Pope Francis, who, if chosen, would become the first Asian pontiff. There's also Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary, 72, a traditionalist and theologian known for opposing divorced Catholics receiving communion and his anti-migrant views. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, 65, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is known for his stance on human rights and anti-corruption efforts.
Among Italians, Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican's secretary of state, has emerged as a strong contender due to his crucial role in diplomacy and close collaboration with Pope Francis. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, was the Vatican's top official for Middle East affairs, and his regional experience has earned him widespread respect.
Expanding Horizons
Geographically, the pool of potential electors has broadened significantly. During his tenure, Francis appointed 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote in this conclave, thus altering the face of the clerical leadership by making it far more representative of the Global South.
The voting cardinals now hail from 65 countries, with representatives from Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania increasing, while Europeans now make up 39% compared to 52% in 2013. North Americans are now fewer than before Pope Francis was elected.
For the first time, there will be more cardinals from the Global South than from Europe, even though Europeans still represent a majority. The growing presence of cardinals from the Global South may ensure that issues such as social justice, migration, climate change, and peace initiatives are given priority, especially when it comes to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Despite these qualities and preferences, the electing process remains unpredictable, with cardinals from distant lands often unfamiliar with the complexities of the Church's global governance. Regardless, the next nine days will see the cardinals congregating twice daily for pre-conclave meetings within the Vatican, which might offer clues as to the kind of leader they seek.
- The upcoming papal conclave in 2023, following Pope Francis's demise, has a different focus compared to 2013, with the electors now aiming for a composed figure who can bring stability to the Church shaken by Francis's revolutionary reign.
- Andrea Gagliarducci, a Vatican analyst, suggested that the next pope should be someone who can bring calm, contrasting with the selection of Pope Francis who was chosen for his willingness to cause chaos and reform.
- The objective in 2013 was to shift the Church's center of gravity from Europe to Latin America and to reform the perceived corrupt and dysfunctional Curia, with Pope Francis disrupting the status quo with his radical tone.
- There is a consensus among the cardinals that the next pope should not undo progress but also should not push boundaries excessively, focusing on unity and maintaining love for the less fortunate.
- Among the candidates circulating for the next pope are Louis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a progressive ally of Pope Francis, who, if chosen, would become the first Asian pontiff, and Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary, a traditionalist known for his anti-migrant views.
- The electors for the next pope have broadened geographically, with a growing presence of cardinals from the Global South, such as Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania, which may prioritize issues like social justice, migration, climate change, and peace initiatives.
