The next pope needs to continue the path set by Pope Francis – promoting a Church that is welcoming, listens to everyone and unifies, some members of the College of Cardinals told reporters yesterday. Source: CNS.
As members of the College of Cardinals head most days to the Vatican’s New Synod Hall for their pre-conclave meetings, scores of reporters and camera operators rush toward them in a wave seeking information about the closed-door deliberations and insight into what they are looking for in a pope.
Cardinal Louis Sako, the Iraq-based patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, said the atmosphere among the cardinals is “fraternal and sincere.”
Cardinal Jorge Jiménez Carvajal, the retired archbishop of Cartagena, Colombia, said there was “a great spirit of communion” even with the expression of many different opinions.
Cardinal John Ribat of Port Moresby said the atmosphere was “free, welcoming” with everyone being open to one another.
Cardinal Sako said there is a sense of responsibility “in finding someone who continues Francis’ efforts.” Asked to comment on the homily of Cardinal Baldassare Reina on Monday, who said the Church cannot go backward, and whether this was the right direction for the Church, Cardinal Sako said, “For me it is.”
Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, retired archbishop of Vienna, also agreed with the homily’s message and said, “We are always moving forward. Do not be afraid.”
Salvadoran Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez, retired auxiliary bishop of San Salvador, said there is a sense that the Church needs to be a kind of “utopia” where there is room “for everyone.”
The next pope could be a surprise, he said, just as Pope Francis was a surprise for most.
Cardinal Ribat said the next pope should be “open to all,” but there should also be “a way of kind of controlling, not in a bad way, but in a way that keeps everyone together and unites everyone and to journey together in that way.”
So far, most of the cardinals who have spoken at the general congregation have been from Europe, he added.
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Conclave might be brief; next pope must be open to all, some cardinals say (By Carol Glatz, CNS)
