Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero Photo: Alessia Giuliani / Imago Stock & People / Profimedia
“I have absolutely no ambition. I could never imagine in this role.” Four days before the beginning of the conclave, Cristóbal López Romero, the Rabat Archbishop, made a surprising statement for the press. The 72 -year -old cardinal, whose ideas are close to those of Francis, is firm and is not seen becoming a pope, reports AFP, taken over by News.ro.
“Those who want this are handled by the thirst for power,” he said, according to daily Il Messaggero. “If I see the danger of being chosen at the conclave, I will run and I will be found in Sicily,” added the Spanish prelate, apparently joking. Cristóbal López Romero then acknowledged that if he had chosen, he could not refuse the mission. “You do not do this service unless you are asked to do it,” he explained. “But want it, look for it … no.”
Four days before the start of the conclave, on Wednesday, the suspense remains, because the cardinals met on Saturday morning for the ninth time in a “general congregation”. In total, 177 cardinals were present, of which 127 voters (those under 80 years old), said Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press Office.
On Sunday, the day on which the Holy Mass is celebrated, no meeting will take place. On Monday, however, the discussions will accelerate, as the general congregations will meet in the afternoon, at 5 pm, in addition to the morning session.
These meetings are an opportunity for prelates to discuss the challenges facing the Church and to share their thoughts-Saturday morning, the discussions have focused on communion, solidarity between churches and the role of courier in particular.
