The upcoming papal election: a game of politics, ideology, and geography
Non-European cardinals outnumber their European counterparts, according to a Vatican correspondent.
On May 7th, the Vatican will host the conclave to elect a new pope, introducing a mix of ancient rituals and modern politics. Sophie de Ravinel, a Public Senate columnist and former Vatican specialist for Le Figaro, shed some light on the intricacies of the election.
The election's duration remains uncertain: votes will start on Wednesday, with a series of four votes each day, and the process continues until a pope is elected with a two-thirds majority. But the outcome is far from clear, as the conclave seeks a spiritual leader who can navigate between conservatives and progressives, with a diverse background and a less opinionated attitude than the outgoing Pope Francis.
Conservatives vs. Progressives
There's a significant ideological divide among the College of Cardinals. Progressive cardinals, mostly appointed by Pope Francis, are advocates of reforms such as granting blessings to same-sex couples and increasing women's roles within the Church, reflecting the synodality process emphasizing communion, participation, and mission. Conversely, conservatives, particularly many from African countries, resist these changes, fearing they dangerously undermine the Church's traditional teachings.
Geographical Balance
Pope Francis expanded the geographical breadth of the College by appointing numerous cardinals from the Global South, where Catholicism is rapidly growing. However, European cardinals still hold the majority of votes, adding to the election's complexity. African cardinals are generally more conservative, making the voting process even more intricate.
Papal Style and Change
With Pope Francis's passing, the conclave faces a crucial decision: to maintain his reform-minded style or to choose a more traditional pope. Since Francis appointed about 81% of the voting cardinals, his influence on the election is significant. Front-runners such as Cardinal Mario Grech, a champion of synodality, exemplify this progressive approach. Yet, the conclave might opt for a pope who can preserve the Church's unity amid regional and ideological divisions, potentially slowing down or limiting the pace of reforms.
Watch the full interview to deeper understand the dynamics of the upcoming papal election.
On Wednesday, cardinals from diverse geographical regions, including France, will cast their votes in the papal election, seeking a spiritual leader versed in the complexities of modern politics. The election's outcome is uncertain, with progressives and conservatives holding contrasting views on the Church's direction, creating a significant ideological divide. The succession of Pope Francis could favor a more traditional pope who preserves the Church's unity, or one like Cardinal Mario Grech, who embodies Francis' reform-minded style. Understanding the mechanisms of the papal election and the dynamics between conservatives and progressives is crucial for general news coverage.
