Game of Thrones at the Vatican. A “difficult” conclave is announced. “Once the spirit of freedom has been released, it can no longer be put back in the glass”
Pope Francis's death left the Catholic Church in a power of power, and now, between the walls where the Sistina chapel is prepared, a real conclave of the century is prepared-a show of symbolism, intrigues and decisions that will model the future of over one billion believers. But, unlike the past centuries, this choice will not be a simple one.
Cardinals in the Sistine/FTO chapel: Archive
White smoke, black smoke, crushed ring and silver hammer-the rituals that accompany a new pontiff looks out of a historical novel or episode of Game of Thrones. But behind the solemn ceremony, a subtle struggle for power is hidden, one that will test the balance of the Church between tradition and modernity, between Europe and the global world.
A longer, more tense conclave
“It will be a more complex process than in 2013”says Thomas Schüller, a canon law expert at the University of Münster. Why? Because Pope Francis changed the geography of electric cardinal. He brought to the Council prelates from Africa, Asia and Latin America – regions that have never been to the center of the Vatican power.
These cardinals, many of them coming from poor and marginalized communities, are not “old wolves” of Roman politics. Some do not even speak Italian fluent. But that is exactly what makes them unpredictable – and, perhaps, freer to choose without the traditional pressures of the cake.
“Once the spirit of freedom has been released, it can no longer be put back in the glass”says Schüller, in a discreet allusion to the 1989 revolutions.
Francisc of Francis: A broken church between progressives and conservatives
Francis was an earthquake for the Vatican. He spoke about poverty, ecology and pity, but he also attacked the “clericalism” and “cold doctrine”. He opened the marriage door for homosexuals and allowed the blessing of LGBTQ+couples, but also encountered resistance from conservative cardinal.
Now, the question that plans about the conclave is: will the church continue on the open road by Francis, or will return to a more traditional Pope?
“Francis's legacy cannot be ignored,” says a European cardinal who prefers to remain anonymous. “But there are many who believe that the church needs stability – that is, a return to dogmatic discipline.”
Who are the favorites for the papal throne?
In the game there are more candidates:
-Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) -the veteran of the Vatican diplomacy, a man of compromise.
-Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero (North Africa) -a Franciscan that symbolizes the poor church.
-Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) -conflict mediator, close to Francis's pastoral style.
-Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea) -the charismatic conservative, the idol of traditionalists.
But in recent years, there is also a Pope of Africa or Latin America – a man to carry on Francis's revolution.
What happens in the next few days?
-Se vacations -the period when the papal chair is empty. The room (interim administrator) destroys the fisherman's ring and prepares the conclave.
-The Cardinals -those under 80 years of age gather in Rome. Informal discussions start immediately.
– White smoke – after days (or weeks) of negotiations, when 2/3 of the cardinals reach a consensus, the white smoke announces the world: Habemus Papam!
A choice that will define the 21st century
This is not just the choice of a religious leader. It is a struggle for the soul of the Church. Will it remain a conservative force, focused on Europe? Or will it become a global voice closer to the poor and marginalized?
The answer will come from the room where Michelangelo painted the Judgment afterwards – and the whole world is waiting for news.
