As the Catholic Church prepares for the potential election of a new pope, numerous prominent figures from around the globe have emerged as leading contenders. The potential papal candidates bring a diverse array of backgrounds and perspectives, reflecting the complex issues the Church faces in today’s world. The race to succeed Pope Francis might very well determine the course of the Church for generations to come. It will further determine the Church’s influence on urgent global concerns such as peace in war, migration, and social justice.
The most intriguing of these is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana. He first earned international visibility as the world’s youngest bishop when he assumed the archbishopric of Conakry at age 34. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Middle Eastern relations and the complexities surrounding the Palestine-Israel conflict position him as a significant candidate.
Unlike Turkson, though, Cardinal Angelo Scola, the former archbishop of Milan, will not be participating in the voting. An employee has surpassed the age threshold of over 80 years old, thus making him/her ineligible to cast a vote. As this fascist rule does to the community of bright lights, theologians, activists, and agitators who kept attracting national attention.
The other main contender, Cardinal Peter Erdo, has raised eyebrows for his willingness to take the side of Hungary’s right-wing government. Critics are concerned that his possible elevation could be a harbinger of things to come, of an end to progressive policies within the Church.
Cardinal Contributions and Controversies
Throughout his peace mission in July, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has garnered international attention with his diplomatic overtures. In 2023 he spearheaded a peace mission to Ukraine and facilitated the peaceful resolution of the Mozambique civil war in 1992. His unconventional approach to peacebuilding and reconciliation strikes a chord with many who put social justice first.
In recent years, he’s caused a stir with his vocal criticism of the ongoing division and violence due to current global conflicts. In the current, bloody, ongoing war in Gaza, he has blasted both sides of the long-simmering conflict, calling for humanitarian relief and sustained peace activism. Pizzaballa, at 60, represents a furthering of that younger leadership. This is in contrast with Pope Francis, who was elected at an advanced age.
By that standard, Cardinal Robert Sarah is unusual for his traditionalist orientation. He possesses a wealth of Vatican experience and is viewed favorably by those desiring a rollback of some reforms instituted during Pope Francis’s tenure. His Jesuit background is similar to that of Pope Francis. Either way, this connection would certainly reinforce his candidacy with traditionalists or raise fears about continuity.
“Normally, we don’t have two consecutive popes of the same order.” – Roberto Regoli
Cardinal Kevin Farrell has been one of the most important figures in the Vatican since 2013, when he became the Vatican’s number-two official. His considerable administrative experience – running a successful university – might offer some much-needed stability in a transitional period for the Church. Meanwhile, Cardinal Michael Czerny has garnered respect for his work in Africa and Latin America, including founding the African Jesuit AIDS Network, highlighting his commitment to social issues.
The Traditionalists vs Progressives
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu Cardinal Besungu’s position personifies the hardline traditionalist response to the Church today. Such rigid adherence to outdated doctrines might be welcome news to traditionalists who want the Church to revert back to its original, fundamental tenets.
Cardinal Gerhard Müller was elevated to the cardinalate in 2010. Though he retired from his post as prefect for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in 2021, he remains an immensely influential figure among conservative ranks. Despite all this, his retirement has not diminished his influence. To this day, he is arguably one of the strongest voices in the theological sphere.
Others worry that candidates such as Cardinal Erdo might be a harbinger of a deeper anti-inclusivity turn within the Church. Alex Faludy warns that “Erdo’s possible ascent to the papal throne would be bad news for LGBTQ+ Catholics and those who have remarried after divorce,” indicating that his leadership may exacerbate divisions within the Church.
Perspectives on Leadership Transition
As discussions about potential papal candidates unfold, various experts weigh in on what this transition could mean for the Church’s direction. Some Italian observers think that Cardinals Parolin or Tagle would both do a good job of channeling Pope Francis’s style. If the Church decides to go this route, they will be the perfect proxies.
Roberto Regoli emphasizes the pressure on candidates to respond to an array of global challenges, stating, “You have no time to do anything for yourself.” This points to the leadership challenges that clergy face within the Church in our ever changing, complicated world.
