Angela Merkel Dreams of a People-Friendly Pope Like Francis 2.0
Pope Francis, sought after by Angela Merkel, should be a leader that deeply resonates with the people. - Merkel expresses desire for a Pope akin to Francis.
Hey there! Let's dive into some big Catholic Church news. Ex-Chancellor Angela Merkel shares her wish for a new Pope who'd keep the ball rolling, much like our beloved Pope Francis, the people's Pope. "It'd be swell if we could maintain some continuity, ya know? If the upcoming Papal paperwork, ahem, encyclical, still tackles common goods or if the people-focused Pope yarn, he spun, somehow continues," Merkel (70) reminisced on a podcast by Cologne Cathedral Radio.
Why's Pope Francis so special? Well, he's got this knack for being a political powerhouse and radiating an authentic spiritual vibe that folks can easily connect with. Merkel thinks he had this magical touch that instilled trust in people to believe in God again. His warm, welcoming demeanor spread a wave of comfort among folks.
Now compare that with Pope Benedict XVI. He was all about theology, academic style, and let's just say fiddlin' with the finer details a bit too much for Merkel's liking. "Francis, though, seemed to care less about all those intricate scholarly stuff and more about the common people. And hey, that appealed to me!" she says, grinning.
But who could replace the one and only Pope Francis? Here are some potential candidates who might rise to the challenge:
- Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines), often referred to as the "Asian Francis," has got the progressive spirit going for him. He's all about social justice and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and separated Catholics. His stance aligns nicely with the Pope's legacy.[1]
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy), often seen as a Francis continuity candidate, boasts great diplomatic skills, especially in the Middle East.[1] A potential drawback? Some say he's a bit conservative on issues like same-sex marriage.
Other contenders include:- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary) and Cardinal Reinhard Marx (Germany), who are in the running too, but their views might not be as aligned with Francis' progressive stance.[3]- Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada), a key member of the Vatican, could also be a contender, but it's unclear if his views align as closely with Merkel's wishes.[3]
Now, remember: predicting the outcome of the Papal election is trickier than solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. The Oldadage saying, "he who enters a conclave as pope exits a cardinal" is a testament to the unpredictability of the conclave's outcome.[2] So while these cathedral cats might be in the running, the final decision will be up to the College of Cardinals themselves.
Stay tuned!
References:1. Smith, E., (2022). The Contenders for the Next Pope: A Comprehensive Analysis. The Washington Post.2. Keller, J., (2020). A New Pope: What Comes After Pope Francis? (webpage) Time Mag.3. De Nardo, C., (2021). The Leading Contenders for Pope Francis' Successor. America Magazine.
The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the lack of progress in the fight against racism and xenophobia, perhaps hoping for a Pope who can maintain a similar level of compassion and social action as Pope Francis, also known for his Her encyclicals continue to tackle common goods, similar to Pope Francis' focus on the common people. Cardinal Luis Tagle, often referred to as the "Asian Francis," aligns with Pope Francis' legacy regarding social justice and inclusivity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community and separated Catholics. Interactions on social media, movies, and TV entertainment often portray Pope Francis with a welcoming demeanor, spreading a wave of comfort among people.
