Catholic cardinals turn to stability following Pope Francis as quest for next pope begins

Catholic cardinals turn to stability

Pope Francis's death at 88 has paved the way for a closely fought and very uncertain papal conclave, with cardinals being offered the delicate task of choosing a successor who can heal rifts in the Catholic Church while mapping the world institution's short-term challenges. After a 12-year pontificate marked by upheaval, reform, and polarizing controversies, cardinals indicate that they are now seeking a chief who will stabilise the Church, reunite the faithful, and manage internal tensions without reversing the pastoral vision Francis represented, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Pope Francis, elected in 2013 as an outsider to reform a scandal-tainted Vatican, departed a revolutionized institution but also a bitterly divided one. He shifted the priorities of the Church to social and economic justice, prioritizing mercy for the poor over strict moral application. That revolutionized the Church being able to gain fervent admirers but also fierce critics, particularly among conservatives who felt he was uncomfortable in his style on such matters as divorce, gay blessings, and priestly celibacy.

Francis' cardinals outnumber—but not untrammelled power

The outcome of this conclave will largely be contingent on the legacy Francis leaves behind. Of the 135 eligible voting cardinals, 108 were appointed by him. That majority guarantees that it's hard to imagine that the next pope will reject Francis' emphasis on pastoral inclusiveness. Yet a group of moderate and conservative cardinals may still have an effect by vetoing candidates considered too radical on thorny doctrinal matters, e.g., the ordination of women or adjustments to priestly celibacy.

A wish list without the ideal match

Cardinals today look for a person who can carry on Francis' emphasis on mercy and open-mindedness but bring to the papacy more technocratic and managerial skillset—specifically to the Vatican's mounting budget deficit. Others also want a pope who will mediate among ideological factions and not further divide the Church. The best candidate, according to them, would be diplomatic in nature, committed to social justice, and have enough charisma to further the Church's global outreach. Age is also in the picture, however; the majority of cardinals are suspicious of appointing someone too young, choosing instead a short papacy to make way for eventual changes later.

Top candidates encompass wide theological and geographic diversity

Those considered to be candidates are Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. He has institutional memory, diplomatic scope, and global connections to mobilize support, but his own lack of charisma and association with unpopular budget decisions and a contentious China agreement could come back to haunt him. Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech is regarded as one of the leading progressive candidates who also has the vision for a more decentralized Church that Francis enjoys, but his history of supporting liberal reformers in Germany could see him come under attack from conservatives.

Hungary's Cardinal Péter Erdő is the most conservative in line so far. While steadfast on doctrine, he is considered less combative than hard-liners, though criticized for being unpopular. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, formerly known as the "Asian Francis," has excellent pastoral credentials and worldwide exposure, but his influence has waned after Francis removed him from a key Vatican post in 2022.

Another high-profile candidate is Democratic Republic of Congo Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu. His commitment to social justice and alignment with certain conservative stances make him an intriguing bridge figure, but his relative youth and absence of a long history of Vatican experience might be against him. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American-born former missionary who is currently a Vatican official, has risen rapidly under Francis, but his American birth may prove to be an obstacle given global concerns about US political interference.

Cardinal Gérald Lacroix of Canada is another North American candidate. Respected for his loyalty to Francis' agenda on shepherding the faithful, Lacroix has also been a trusted advisor and was recently acquitted on a charge of sexual abuse. His calm temperament and synodal leadership commitment have earned him discreet support. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar, on the other hand, is seen as a conservative-inclined middle-of-the-roader with international standing and green awareness, but has largely avoided the internal Church battles.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna, is one of Italy’s progressive front-runners. Known for his mediation efforts and social activism, Zuppi’s involvement in peace diplomacy and his ties to the Sant’Egidio community highlight his commitment to inclusivity, though his left-wing image may alienate some voters. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille is considered a younger, more moderate protégé of Francis. He is keen on interfaith dialogue and openness, yet has not taken firm stands on controversial issues—leaving him a pretty blank canvas for others to paint.

A conclave without a favourite

While en route to Rome, the vast majority admit that there is no clear consensus candidate who meets all the requirements of the Church. The conclave is already the most open papal election in decades, and most insiders think that the new pope will necessarily be a compromise candidate—a pope who can continue the Church's moral voice on world affairs but also restore trust and unity inside the Church.