Catholic cardinals on Monday officially announced May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis. The decision to delay the vote by two days, originally scheduled for May 5, was made to allow cardinals to familiarize themselves with one another, fostering consensus ahead of the highly anticipated selection process.
The cardinals convened after Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday to discuss the upcoming election, and tensions already began to surface as reporters clamored for information about the atmosphere inside the meetings. One reporter from an Italian satirical program even asked if a cardinal convicted on financial charges by the Vatican would be allowed to vote, further complicating the mood.
Despite the delay, several cardinals expressed their hope for unity in the selection of Francis’ successor, emphasizing the need to preserve the late pope’s pastoral focus on marginalized communities and peace. Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, archbishop of Cordoba, Argentina, and one of the cardinals named by Francis, expressed his optimism. “There is the hope of unity,” he said.
However, it is clear that the cardinals face challenges in balancing the legacy of Francis with differing viewpoints within the church. While many progressives hope for a continuation of his outreach to the marginalized, others, particularly conservatives, aim to refocus the church’s mission on traditional doctrinal teachings, reminiscent of popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
During a homily in St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Baldassare Reina urged fellow cardinals not to engage in “power alliances” as they select the next pope. “We must avoid retaliation and continue the reforms of Pope Francis,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, downplayed divisions within the College of Cardinals, stating, “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together,” a sentiment echoed by others who believe that unity, not division, should guide the selection process.
A DIVERSE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS FACES GLOBAL PRESSURE
The College of Cardinals includes 135 electors, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis to ensure that the church represented a wider range of voices from around the world. However, with many of the electors hailing from different regions and having limited interaction with each other, uncertainty surrounds how these diverse perspectives will influence the conclave.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, downplayed concerns about divisions among the electors. “The role of the pope is to essentially hold us together,” he said, emphasizing the role of the pontiff in fostering unity across the global church.
In particular, the conclave’s regional diversity may prove pivotal. Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the emeritus archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria, was candid when discussing African cardinals’ influence. The 18 African cardinal electors are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the papacy. Given their history of opposing some of Pope Francis’ more progressive stances, particularly on LGBTQ+ issues, the African cardinals could block a more progressive candidate from emerging.
“We have not come here for a political rally. We have come to get a pope out,” Onaiyekan said. Despite their shared conservative stance on some issues, the African cardinals are united in their goal to ensure that the papacy remains strong and relevant to global Catholicism.
ASIAN AND LATIN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVES
While the African influence is notable, the voices of Asian and Latin American cardinals should not be overlooked. Cardinals from India, such as Cardinal Anthony Poola, archbishop of Hyderabad, represent a key demographic in the church’s future. Poola, a relatively young and dynamic figure, was appointed by Pope Francis in 2021 and represents a new generation of leaders within the church.
“Anyone who is coming up must be the successor of St. Peter,” Poola said. “We all hope that he will be a good pope.” The four Indian electors will join other young cardinals to ensure that the voice of Asia is strongly represented in the conclave.
As in Africa, Latin American cardinals have often aligned with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy and justice. This region’s cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Francis, are likely to advocate for a continuation of his social justice initiatives. These include outreach to marginalized groups, including women and LGBTQ+ individuals, which has been central to his papacy.
Cardinal Rossi, also from Argentina, who has been appointed to the College by Francis, expressed hope that the next pope would continue the Argentine pontiff’s messages of compassion and mercy. “I hope that the next pope will carry forward Francis’ message of mercy, closeness, and charity,” he said, underscoring the influence of Latin American cardinals who seek to preserve the focus on social justice that Francis championed.
The Final Decision: Global Unity or Division?
The conclave process will be a test not just of internal Vatican politics but of the global character of the church itself. With such a diverse group of electors, the future of the Catholic Church hinges on finding a balance between different regional priorities. The decision of whether to continue Pope Francis’ reform-oriented papacy or shift the direction back to traditionalist principles will likely define the legacy of the next pontiff.
As the conclave nears, all eyes will remain on how the electors, from Asia to Africa and the Americas, navigate their differences to choose the next spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
