The conclave is getting closer. “Needed doctor of the Church, Pope from Africa or Asia, Superman”
Cardinals, participating in the Congregations preparing for the conclave, stated in interviews for the Italian press that currently a doctor of the Church, a pope from Africa or Asia or even Superman, who will answer all challenges is needed. Their statements indicate large divisions before the conclave starting on Wednesday.
In an interview with the daily “Corriere della Sera” on Sunday, Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, who will not take part in the conclave, but participates in the daily councils of purple, said: “We all try to remove venom and give medicine, because this is what the Church and the world needs.”
He emphasized that there are differences among the cardinals and there are confrontation of positions. He noted that the topic of discussion is primarily “renewal in continuation”.
“Pope Francis himself would not want to limit himself to photocopy of his pontificate. He talked about renewal processes. Some of these processes are still open” – noted the Italian cardinal.
Speaking of synodality in the Church, the subject close to Francis, Cardinal Versaldi said that he should be deepened. He estimated that different roles in the church should be distinguished so that there was no “confusion” and that “the Church was not thought as a great democracy in which everyone is equal.”
The critic of Pope Francis among electors, was the prefect of the Congregation for the Science of the Faith, German Cardinal Gerhard Mueller said in an interview with “Quotidiano Nazionale”: “You cannot leave the doctrine and the truth of the Church for diplomacy”.
“Jesus used very strong words talking about Herod, while in the Vatican the President of France Emmanuel Macron was admitted and he was praised for the fight against hunger in the world, without chasing the policy of secularism and for abortion,” said Cardinal Mueller.
Then he added that Franciszek “from an objective point of view was not an excellent theologian,” like Benedict XVI.
“He expressed the way Latin America's feeling and style. He emphasized the poverty and the existential periphery of the planets – the aspect that I am happy with. Some saw a certain lack of balance in doctrine and pastoral care at the expense of this doctrine, which when combined with mercy cannot be omitted or overthrown” – believes German cardinal.
In his opinion, there is a risk that the Catholic Church will become “Protestant”. “There are women who now have the ambitions of power in the Vatican. But the Holy See is not a center of power like a state; it is on the service of truth,” he said.
Cardinal Mueller also expressed the opinion that many participants of Franciszek's funeral were guided by the “media effect” and sympathy for the person. “Certainly not everyone was there because of the authentic spirit of faith,” he noted.
“You need a pastor and a doctor of the Church,” said German purple. He expressed the opinion that talking about the fact that someone wants the Italian Pope or Africa is “infantile”.
Cardinal Anders Arborelius from Sweden mentioned among the favorites said in the newspaper “La Repubblica” that Europe is old and tired. “In his opinion,” natural “would be if the next pope came from Africa or Asia. But, as he reserved, it is not said that he would be able to find” the right candidate “.
Speaking of the phenomenon of multiculturalism, also in Europe, the bishop of Stockholm said: “For us in Sweden it is something natural, because most Catholics come from other countries. They built the Church. In other countries it is a little different.”
“The message of Pope Francis was very clear; we must open our door for those who need. Of course, you can't accept the whole world, but you must have mercy for refugees and migrants” – emphasized Cardinal Arborelius.
According to him, the choice on the conclave is very difficult. “It is true that it is difficult to find a candidate who would answer all our expectations,” he admitted.
Among the challenges, he mentioned “how to carry the message of the church in the world of conflicts and wars.”
“There is a lot to do. We are waiting for a person who could do everything,” added Swedish purple.
Cardinal from Singapore William Sengi Chye Goh told the daily “Il Messaggero” that it is important that the new pope could reflect on the needs and challenges and was aware of what to do so that the church was “united and could go forward.”
He revealed that there is no single candidate. “We are still listening. We are in a key phase,” he explained.
As a priority for the future pope, he mentioned evangelization, strengthening the position of the Church and reaching young people, as well as “showing the present day of the face of love, joy, hope.”
“It is very important that the new pope can reach everyone; to marginalized, young, seniors. In practice, this means that a superman is needed,” said Cardinal Goh.
From Rome Sylwia Wysocka (PAP)
SW/ AP/
