Wishing for a Pope Following Francis' Lead, According to Merkel
Merkel yearns for a people's pope akin to Francis. - Merkel expresses a preference for a papal figure similar to Pope Francis.
Angela Merkel, ex-Chancellor of Germany, has expressed a preference for a Pope in the mold of Francis. She'd like to see continuity, with the next Pope possibly tackling common goods or furthering the thread of a people-oriented Pope that Francis established. This was stated in a podcast of the Cologne Cathedral radio.
Francis was a political Pope, yet he exuded an "original piety" that made it effortless for people to trust in God. His approach was appealing to Merkel (70) due to his openness and inclusiveness, which created a comforting effect.
Contrasting Francis with his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, Merkel felt that the latter was more theologically formal. Francis, however, seemed less concerned with technical knowledge and more about meeting people as they are. This approach resonated deeply with her.
- Pope Successor
- People-Oriented Pope
- Angela Merkel
- Pope Francis
- Pope Benedict XVI
- Cologne
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Additional Insights
Comparing Francis and Benedict XVI
- Pope Francis is renowned for progressive and inclusive policies, focusing on social justice, environmental issues, and interfaith dialogue, while modernizing the Church.
- Pope Benedict XVI was more conservative in his theological and administrative style, concentrating on traditional Catholic teachings and exhibiting less social activism compared to Francis.
The Current Scenario
- Following Pope Francis' demise, the Church entered the "sede vacante" period, with the camerlengo handling the Holy See until a new Pope is elected.
- Elections occur through a secretive process in the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals voting until a successor is chosen, signaled by white smoke.
- Given Merkel's affinity for a Pope continuing to emphasize social and ethical issues, any candidate matching these values would be favorably viewed by her.
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the lack of progress in the fight against racism and xenophobia, mirroring Angela Merkel's call for a Pope who follows in the footsteps of the people-oriented Pope Francis.
- The Pope who exhibits continuity in the line of Pope Francis, addressing common goods and embodying openness and inclusiveness, would align with the preferences Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, has stated for her ideal Pope.
- In contrast to the formal and conservative tone of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, who has shown progressive and inclusive policies, mirrors Angela Merkel's appreciation for a political Pope with an original piety that resonates deeply with her.
- The current scenario, with the Vatican in the "sede vacante" period following Pope Francis' demise, offers a chance for the election of a Pope whose approach, according to Merkel, ought to resemble that of the radical and people-oriented Pope she admires so much.
