By ITV staff
The College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church, a body first created in its present form in 1150 by Pope Nicholas II to choose a new Pope, at this writing contains 252 members. 137 of them are eligible to vote in the next conclave, the gathering which elects the Pope.
Now that the papacy of Pope Francis has reached an end, in its 13th year, with his death April 21, Catholics around the world are understandably interested in examining the possibilities involved in the coming conclave — especially, of course, those deemed “likely” candidates for the next papacy.
There has been no shortage of analysis, categorization, speculation and even wagering (the “prediction markets” have their own favorites) as to who the next Pope may be.
(Note that Pope Gregory XIV, under pain of excommunication, forbade betting on anything to do with the Pope in 1591 — it had apparently become a problem, and he even called it a “sacrilege” — though the revised Code of Canon Law published in 1918 no longer mentioned it.)
Cardinals today do not know each other
But one major problem that has arisen during the papacy of Francis is that the members of the College of Cardinals, to a perhaps unprecedented degree, do not know each other.
Contributing to this state of affairs has been two factors. One was Pope Francis’ proclivity for creating new cardinals from the “peripheries” of the Church – often meaning they come from more remote, often minority-Christian countries, which makes frequent personal contact with them difficult.
The other factor is that after 2014, Pope Francis stopped convening separate meetings of cardinals at the almost yearly Rome consistories (the gatherings where the Pope’s new crop of chosen cardinals are created).
So the cardinals themselves have been deprived of a vital opportunity to meet, mingle with and get to know each other, especially those from the more far-flung dioceses of the world.
But Rome journalists Edward Pentin and Diane Montagna have come up with a way to assist the cardinals – and indeed, any interested parties — to access an objective assessment of the experience, apparent theological and philosophical positions, and stated opinions on current Church affairs of the top candidates for election as the next Pope.
A New Resource for Cardinals
Pentin and Montagna have developed, in association with Sophia Institute Press and Cardinalis Magazine, a user-friendly website called College of Cardinals Report (in Latin, Cardinalium Collegii Recensio), accessible at Collegeofcardinalsreport.com.
As they explain on the website, “A cardinal’s most important task is to elect the next Pope. Indeed, the word ‘cardinal’ has its roots in the Latin noun ‘cardo’ meaning ‘hinge’ that points to their pivotal role, just as a hinge is essential to the functioning of a door.
“But to carry out this primary function well, the cardinals need to know as much as possible about the person for whom they are voting.
“Historically, they have sought to inform themselves about their colleagues’ characters, beliefs and behaviors through private discussions and correspondence. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the number of cardinals would often number no more than a dozen, and being a smaller group, they likely knew each other fairly well already.”
The College of Cardinal Report goes on to explain that even with historically smaller groups of cardinals, the methods of getting to know each had their limits, and as early as the 16th century, interested parties would assemble a sort of dossier on each cardinal to provide information to the voting cardinals.
Unfortunately, these reports leanings, if any, they tend to exhibit – without pigeon-holing any of them into limiting categories.
“This website,” they say, “therefore aims to help bridge that knowledge gap, assisting the cardinal-electors in a modest way in their discernment as well as helping to inform the media and anyone interested on who could become the most influential religious leader on earth.
“This website makes no prognostications on who could be the next pontiff beyond listing the leading candidates. Instead, our main and ultimate goal is to provide clear, extensive and reliable information on the cardinals.”
Profiles of each cardinal
There is a profile of each cardinal in the College of Cardinals, 41 of which at this writing have been “completed” – meaning they include key biographical data, a summary of their main qualities and attributes, and extensive detail on how they have fulfilled the three main works or “offices” of bishop — sanctifying, governing, and teaching.
Of those with “completed” profiles, 22 are designated “papabile,” or likely papal candidates. But if the past history of papal conclaves has anything to teach us, it is that a “surprise” candidate is not unlikely to emerge during the actual voting. (In fact, the spiritually and historically towering figure of Pope Saint John Paul II himself is one of those “surprise” Popes, who emerged as a “compromise” candidate at the conclave only after two other of the previously favored papabili failed to garner a majority of votes — and a third papabile informed his supporters that he would refuse the papal tiara if he were elected.)
The website also includes a page titled “Where They Stand,” containing a list of 10 issues, such as “Ordaining Female Deacons” and “Restricting the Old Latin Mass,” on which each cardinal with a completed profile is rated with symbols meaning “In Favor,” “Against,” “Ambiguous” or “Unknown.”
The remaining cardinals have “incomplete” profiles at this time, meaning that the information on them includes a summary of their backgrounds, achievements and various matters of interest.
Pentin and Montagna emphasize that their analyses are “fact based,” and that they “strive to be impartial.”
Here we share with you a glimpse at the papabili based on Pentin and Montagna’s College of Cardinals Report.
The Papabili
“A Pope should be one whose love for Christ extends to all the mem-
bers of Christ’s Mystical Body, the ‘flock’ of which Christ is the Good
Shepherd. Unlike a politician whose focus is exclusively on this life, a
Pope’s primary role is helping to shepherd millions of souls safely to the
next. His charity, therefore, should be such that he can ‘tend’ the flock
through the kingly role of governance, and ‘feed’ the sheep through the
priestly role of sanctifying in the liturgy and through the prophetic role of
teaching sound doctrine.” — College of Cardinals Report
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65
Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, O.F.M. Cap., the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a passionate promoter of social justice who fearlessly engages in politics on behalf of the poor and the voiceless, but whose approach to mission and other crucial issues appears contradictory.
Analysis Excerpt: Cardinal Ambongo is clear-headed when it comes to politics and social justice issues, whether it be neo-colonialism, the exploitation of Congo’s natural resources, wealth inequality, corruption, or protecting the environment.
On matters related to the faith and the Church he can also appear decidedly orthodox: he staunchly defends the family, priestly celibacy, and the Church’s moral teaching. He was famously resistant on behalf of most African bishops to Fiducia Supplicans, and deftly negotiated with the Vatican an opt out from the declaration.
But his thinking can also often appear muddled and contradictory. He defends Catholic identity and underlines the importance of mission but is content for Protestants to remain Protestant, Muslims to remain Muslim, and implies baptism is unnecessary for salvation.
Cardinal Anders Arborelius, 75
Bishop of Stockholm, Sweden
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Those who know Cardinal Arborelius describe him as genuinely meek and humble, an attentive listener who has been praised for remaining calm and faithful to the Church’s teaching, such as when provoked by atheists on television.
Cardinal Arborelius has said that his episcopal motto In Laudem Gloriae (Unto the Praise of Glory) “is an expression of all that I am — to give glory to the Triune God.” He believes that in our time, man’s “first duty and our privilege” to “honor and glorify God” has been forgotten. “Man is not reduced by it, on the contrary, he grows, becomes more free and happier.”
Analysis Excerpt: A mild-mannered and deeply reflective prelate, Cardinal Arborelius has a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, is orthodox on the teachings of Christ, and fosters a sincere devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He upholds the Church’s teachings on life, defends priestly celibacy and opposes women’s ordination. He has also been outspoken in his criticisms of the German Synodal Way and has strongly defended the universally applicable and unchanging nature of the Church’s moral teaching.
The Cardinal takes a more pragmatic view on other issues such as interreligious dialogue and ecumenism (though he opposes non-Catholics receiving the Eucharist) and has a fervent concern for the environment.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66
Metropolitan Archbishop of Marseilles, France
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: The Archbishop of Marseille and allegedly Pope Francis’ “favorite” cardinal to succeed him, Cardinal Aveline is an affable and scholarly prelate, an emerging papabile with broad appeal who is dedicated to issues of migration and interreligious dialogue.
Analysis Excerpt: On some of the most contentious issues likely to create controversy within the Church — women’s ordination, the questioning of priestly celibacy, access to Communion for remarried divorcees — Cardinal Aveline maintains a cautious attitude and is reluctant to take a clear stand either way. He prefers not to speak about sensitive issues or reveal his political leanings.
He adopts a proactive stance on issues that have come to the fore under Pope Francis’ pontificate, such as inter-religious dialogue or the welcome of migrants, without, however, demonstrating any aggressive militancy on these issues. He thus appears as a rather liberal figure, but one inclined to consensus.
He was influenced by the poet and mystic Father Jean Arnaud, co-founder of the Workers’ Mission in Marseille, who taught him to love “a Marian and eschatological Church,” “a gentle Church, capable of leaving in a hurry for unexpected visits,” but where “Communion comes before organization and mercy prevails over judgment.”
Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, 82
Archbishop Emeritus of Genoa, Italy
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Cardinal Bagnasco is widely respected as a man of acute intelligence, high culture, profound compassion, and intense spirituality — and someone able to combine these qualities with amiability and a gentle nature.
Analysis Excerpt: A fervent defender of orthodox Church teaching in the public square in the mold of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, as president of Italy’s bishops’ conference Bagnasco fought hard for the Faith and the Church’s moral teaching in the political arena, at one point requiring bodyguards for his personal protection.
For Bagnasco, publicly witnessing to Christian values, including the protection of human life from conception until natural death, is a matter of Christian duty. He rejects universalism, opposes an end to mandatory priestly celibacy and ordaining women as deacons, and has spoken out against persecution of Christians. He has long defended Europe’s Christian roots and frequently addressed the clerical sexual abuse crisis, urging an end to cover-ups. He has called for more transparency in Church finances.
Cardinal Bagnasco has upheld the importance of the Eucharist and the liturgy and is a supporter of preserving the Traditional Latin Mass.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, SDB, 76
Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Cardinal Bo’s homilies, that can weave together hope, faith, peace, reconciliation and prophetic challenge, provide an insight into his spirituality and character. He combines a rare mix of courage and wisdom, tradition and creativity, humility and humour, a steadfast faith and an openness to new ideas.
Analysis Excerpt: Generous-spirited, pastoral and compassionate, he loves the arts, and – like Pope St. John Paul II – is himself a playwright. Regarded by some as “solidly orthodox,” Cardinal Bo was deeply inspired by and loyal to Pope Benedict XVI and has developed a similar loyalty and close relationship with Pope Francis. In particular, he supports synodality, Francis’ emphasis on mercy, and his focus on environmental issues and climate change.
He has strongly criticized the Chinese Communist Party but stopped short of criticizing the Pope for his accord with Beijing. Bo has been criticized at times for being too diplomatic and seeming to compromise on some issues.
Those who know Bo well say he is not in favor of ordaining women priests, making priestly celibacy optional, and blessings of same-sex couples. But he prefers to focus on justice and peace in such a conflict-ridden and repressed nation.
Cardinal Stephen Brislin, 68
Archbishop of Johannesburg, South Africa
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Throughout his ministry, Brislin has shown himself to be on the classically liberal wing of the Church, committed to social issues.
Analysis Excerpt: Under Brislin’s watch, in 2022 the archdiocese published a synthesis report as part of its contribution to the Synod on Synodality which called for a change in the hierarchical structure of the Church; exploration “at the very least” of a woman’s diaconate; expansion of the definition of the family, a revisiting of Humanae Vitae, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
The report, which carried the stamp of the cardinal’s episcopal coat of arms, also took a distinctly heterodox and even revolutionary approach to tradition.
“In the world of the twenty-first century today, it is important to hold onto the tradition, know its origins, but also to embrace change,” the report stated, adding: “The strong traditions of the Church are also its weaknesses.”
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, 76
Prefect Emeritus of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Widely recognized as one of the Church’s foremost experts in canon law, Raymond Burke is also known worldwide for his international apostolic work, including his support for right-to-life causes, the traditional liturgy, his devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Sacred Heart.
Analysis Excerpt: Cardinal Burke is known for his fidelity to the revealed doctrine of the Church, a characteristic that, at times, has provoked vociferous criticism from those within the Church who often cannot accept those teachings. He has responded with meekness and prayer while remaining steadfast to his convictions, leading many of the faithful to look to him for guidance when they have doubts or are confused about the Church’s leadership. Those of sound formation see a bishop who is reliably Catholic and able to resolve issues of faith, be they doctrinal or canonical. And despite him being stripped of almost every ecclesiastical role, with the exception of bishop and cardinal, often they will seek out Cardinal Burke when they visit Rome — a sign, some believe, of both his personal sanctity and the sensus fidelium in action.
Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, 71
Archbishop of Utrecht, Netherlands
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: He is widely seen as solidly orthodox and pro-life, and has a marked devotion to Our Lady. His apostolic initiatives have focused on reviving love of the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary, family catechesis, and personal evangelization. Eijk’s experience as a physician and a moral theologian has given him tools to address cutting-edge issues.
Analysis Excerpt: Clear and uncompromising when it comes to the Church’s teachings, Eijk manifests a love of Catholic truth even when it is unpopular, as seen in his willingness to defend Humanae Vitae and to uphold the indissolubility of marriage as only between one man and one woman and the privileged place for the conjugal act. He has also opposed same-sex blessings, but with characteristic tact and diplomacy.
His insistence on Christ’s teaching regarding an all-male, celibate priesthood has been a sign of contradiction for some. While having compassion on refugees, especially for Christians fleeing persecution, Eijk has said that economic migrants often are obliged to build up their native countries; and they have obligations to the country into which they immigrate. Eijk values reverence in the liturgy but has so far kept himself out of the contentious issue of restricting the Traditional Latin Mass.
Cardinal Péter Erdö, 72
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary
Created cardinal by Pope John Paul II
Summary: Formed amid the hardships of atheistic communism, Cardinal Péter ErdĹ‘ is widely regarded as a great intellect and a man of culture. Cautious, risk-averse, even timid, ErdĹ‘ was, at 51, one of the Church’s youngest cardinals when John Paul II elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2003.
Analysis Excerpt: Although he prefers the Ordinary Form of the Mass, he is willing to permit the Extraordinary Form and will support it if called to do so but he made no public comment on Traditionis Custodes.
He sees the Eucharist and the priesthood as closely related and is opposed to optional celibacy for priests. A defender of the hierarchical structure of the Church, he is a priest with a pastoral heart for whom the importance of salvation was the driving force for being ordained. He has placed great emphasis on the New Evangelization, ministering to youth and missionary work.
On political issues such as immigration, the cardinal has conveyed a balanced approach, recognizing the right to migrate but also aware of dangers of integrating refugees without endangering political stability.
He upholds Humanae Vitae, is strongly pro-life, and has a fervent Marian devotion.
Cardinal Fernando Filoni, 78
Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Cardinal Filoni is a distinguished Holy See diplomat who served as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, deputy Vatican secretary of state, and apostolic nuncio in Iraq during the 2003 Iraq War. A reserved and discreet figure, he is a man of pastoral sensitivity with a wealth of curial and diplomatic experience,
Analysis Excerpt: Filoni is a fervent believer in the Second Vatican Council. He is also a strong advocate of the Synod of Bishops and, contentiously, episcopal conferences.
On other matters, Filoni is known to be a sponsor of the Neocatechumenal movement, a controversial group that has sparked debate for some of its unorthodox liturgical practices and interpretations.
As the Vaticanist John Allen pointed out in 2013, Filoni has a global vision and international experience, possesses important diplomatic and governing skills, has shown pastoral sensitivity, and is uncompromising on Church teaching.
On the negative side, Cardinal Filoni has no experience in leading a diocese, is identified with Italian old guard bureaucracy, and despite many attributes working in his favor, he was not often mentioned as papabile at the last conclave.
Cardinal Kurt Koch, 75
Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Cardinal Kurt Koch combines a calm persona with years of curial experience. A somewhat shy man who shuns controversy, his Teutonic intellectual background is oriented toward negotiation and compromise, making him a somewhat diplomatic and pragmatic figure. As a cardinal in the Roman Curia, he has also displayed a healthy conservatism.
Analysis Excerpt: The Swiss cardinal is known for his strong skepticism of the German Synodal Way, while at the same time he is regarded as a man open to making cautious changes, which he expressed, for example, in a comprehensive study of the papal ministry in 2024.
The cardinal is able to scrupulously separate his own theological views from what his office requires of him — something seen as a strength but also a weakness.
Koch’s knowledge of a broad range of issues can also be said to be rather blinkered. For many years he has been dealing with essentially only one topic in his work — ecumenism.
Furthermore, Koch’s ecumenical thought is deeply rooted in the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.
Koch underlines the importance of the centrality of the Eucharist but is not a proponent of the traditional liturgy, seeing it as an obstacle to unity.
Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, 77
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Intelligent and honest, Cardinal Gerhard Müller is a decisive and down-to-earth leader who will act courageously when necessary. Respected as a theologian, he dislikes the label “conservative,” preferring to consider himself as simply “Catholic.” An honest broker, knowledgeable, well read, and “without a scintilla of nastiness,” according to an associate, Müller is unafraid to lead and make tough decisions.
Analysis Excerpt: Although liturgy is not his priority, he considers doctrine and pastoral care of equal importance, and he has encouraged Eucharistic devotion.
Generally, he takes traditional positions, strongly opposing a female diaconate and resisting changes to priestly celibacy in the Latin Rite. Ardently supportive of the teachings of Vatican II and quite modern in his outlook, he has grown closer to Tradition in recent years and has been a staunch critic of the Synod on Synodality. He has also been critical of restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass.
Independent-minded, Gerhard Müller has been critical of globalism, “Agenda 2030,” and its protagonists whom he calls “strong powerful elites.”
Within the Church, he is regarded as an intensely loyal friend and collaborator who has striven to avoid criticizing Pope Francis directly, though he has many questions about this pontificate.
Cardinal Marc Oullet, 80
Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Bishops
Created cardinal by Pope John Paul II
Summary: Cardinal Oullet is a mostly conservative-leaning prelate but with a somewhat modern, post-conciliar outlook that tends to change with the times and the popes. Although someone with a deep love for the Church’s teaching, he is not considered doctrinaire and has a personal warmth and affability of a true pastor.
Analysis Excerpt: A strong defender of priestly celibacy in the Latin Rite, he is firmly against women’s ordination. He opposes same sex “marriage,” has praised Humanae Vitae, and has concretely supported migrants in difficulty. His views on Islam are moderate.
As a personally principled, prayerful, yet sensitive man, sometimes given to emotion and with concern for unity, he is reluctant to criticize in public and instead takes a diplomatic and low-key approach to the papacy. He is known to be a man of holiness, transparency, and humility, with a passion for life.
Ouellet has a preference for solemn liturgies and appears open and accepting of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. He has a devotion to Our Lady and is widely known to be a deeply spiritual prelate with a great sense of loyalty.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70
Vatican Secretary of State
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Pietro Parolin has long been highly regarded as a reliable and trusted papal representative on the world stage. As someone who wishes to be close to the poor and with an ecclesial and political outlook similar to Francis, he is seen as a natural successor to the current Pope but in a quieter, subtler, and more diplomatic manner.
Analysis Excerpt: A protégé of the late Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, a leading member of the Saint Gallen Group, Cardinal Parolin has used his diplomatic skills in the areas of nuclear disarmament, outreach to communist countries, and geopolitics in the Middle East and Asia, including relations with Beijing.
Questions persist over his position on contraception. He has also emerged as an ardent opponent of the traditional liturgy as contrary to a more global, synodal “new paradigm” for the Church.
To his critics, Cardinal Parolin is a modernist progressive with a globalist vision, a pragmatist who will place ideology and diplomatic solutions above hard truths of the faith, and a master of the discredited Ostpolitik brand of diplomacy of the 1960s.
To his supporters, Cardinal Parolin is a courageous idealist, an avid proponent of peace, and a master of discretion and arbitration.
Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, 80
Major Penitentiary emeritus of the Apostolic Penitentiary
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: A man of great discretion, Cardinal Piacenza has proven experience in academia, administration, and pastoral work. He shows piety and reverence in worship, handles difficult situations with sensitivity, and possesses a detailed knowledge of, and respect for, religious vocations.
Analysis Excerpt: Keeping the salvation of souls in mind above all, Mauro Piacenza has extensive experience as a teacher and spiritual guide. His devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary influenced his 20 years of work for priests in the Congregation for the Clergy, where he became prefect. Some might call him “a priest’s priest,” someone sought after to give retreats who effectively and discreetly defends orthodoxy against errors within the Church.
He is committed to maintaining Catholic traditions and making them accessible to new generations. He holds fast to all doctrines of the Church on moral matters, clearly stating magisterial teachings on issues such as abortion, surrogate motherhood, and the need to evangelize non-Christian cultures. For him, there is no question about the celibate, all-male priesthood, with no room for “homosexual culture” in the seminary or rectory. He discreetly battles revolutionary ideas while affirming right principles and has a reputation for being a good judge of character.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, 59
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Though Cardinal Pizzaballa rarely addresses controversial issues, it is possible to discern a desire to abide by the orthodox traditions of the Church while also remaining open to modernity. He strongly believes in the centrality of the Eucharist, has strong Marian devotion, and is a great believer in the path of sanctification through tribulation.
Analysis Excerpt: The Latin Patriarch appears to care deeply for his flock, yet is able to engage both sides in this seemingly intractable Middle East conflict. Unafraid to speak out, he has striven to treat Arabs and Israelis with equanimity, but with arguably more sympathy for the Palestinian people “still waiting for their rights, their dignity or recognition.”
The cardinal recognizes this period as one of “great disorientation and confusion” but does not want to go back to a bygone era. He has a passion for Holy Scripture, a disdain for clericalism and a concern for migrants, interreligious dialogue and, to some extent, the environment.
Liberal in the classical sense, he sees the old rite as one among the many diverse rites in the Church and so allows it. Liturgically, he appears to lean towards tradition, always favouring the centrality of the Eucharist.
Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don, 77
Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Cardinal Ranjith is an ecclesial all-rounder: a conservative and a polyglot with a deeply pastoral vision who has extensive experience in Church governance.
Analysis Excerpt: Ranjith has effectively represented the pope in the world’s most populous Muslim country, overseen liturgical practices as a high-ranking curial official, and governed a major metropolitan archdiocese in challenging times.
Deeply loyal to the papacy, he nevertheless departs slightly from Francis on the death penalty (he would allow it in certain cases), he favors ethical capitalism, and rejects socialism. He prefers the Novus Ordo celebrated reverently but has also encouraged the Traditional Latin Mass. He has been an advocate of the “reform of the reform” and favors a “return to the true liturgy of the Church.”
But he is also a firm proponent of the Vatican II reforms and sees the post-conciliar Church as an imperfect yet necessary development. He can be outspoken and sometimes impulsive but is recognized for being upstanding and willing to confront corruption.
Ranjith’s breadth of experience makes him likely to be a reliable, traditional, conservative Pope, with a proven track record in governance and orthodoxy from the global south.
Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79
Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Summary: Cardinal Robert Sarah is a traditional and orthodox-minded former senior Vatican official whose prophetic witness, personal sanctity, and literary works have brought him a wide and devoted following across the world.
Analysis Excerpt: Cardinal Sarah’s experience in resisting a Marxist dictatorship is often credited for the cardinal’s sensitivity in knowing when to speak out and when to keep quiet, as well as his fearlessness in defending truths of the Faith.
In a homily at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Kenya in February 2023, he warned: “Our faith can be rocked by those even within the Church who seek to change God’s revealed truth, sowing confusion rather than fostering clarity and confirming the faith.” He has supported Catholics who attend the TLM, and is a vociferous critic of Fiducia Supplicans. He has also warned against dangers of the “Synod on Synodality.”
Sarah has written a number of highly acclaimed books, including God or Nothing: A Conversation on Faith (2015), which have established him as a leader with depth, insight, and even a gift of prophecy that resonated with those who had felt starved of hearing the truths of the Faith firmly rooted in the Church’s Tradition.
Cardinal Danile Ferando Sturla, SDB, 65
Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Salesian Cardinal Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet is a Ratzingerian Latin American archbishop whose battles to defend the faith have been tried by Uruguay’s long and steady descent into secularism.
Analysis Excerpt: Cardinal Sturla is orthodox in his beliefs. Christ and the Eucharist must be at the center, and the Church’s teaching vigorously defended in the face of secularism. He has a distinctly Ratzingerian vision for the Church, especially when it comes to the Second Vatican Council, which he sees as being in continuity with the past rather than a “rupture.”
He is keen to shore up the Church’s identity and avoid “falling into the trap of self-secularization.” He sees it as imperative that the Church “reach out to everyone,” but “without denying her own identity.”
With his conservative and orthodox beliefs, a Sturla pontificate would almost certainly mark the return of a Ratzingerian or Wojtijan direction; however, whether the cardinal electors would risk a second Latin American Pope so soon after the turmoil of the first is an open question.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, 67
Pro-prefect for the Dicastery for Evengelization
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Touted as the “Asian Francis,” Cardinal Tagle possesses not only attributes similar to Jorge Bergoglio and extensive pastoral and administrative experience but also significant theological and historical training.
Analysis Excerpt: Unafraid to share his emotions and sentimentality in public, he often displays a playful side, as when dancing with youth, or in the sanctuary, or celebrating Mass in a folksy and casual manner.
Nevertheless, Tagle is known as a shrewd negotiator and sophisticated tactician. His tutelage under the Jesuits, graduate studies in the United States, work with progressive theologians firmly root him in the progressive theological camp.
Tagle’s positions on moral matters appear somewhat incoherent. On the one hand, he railed against a Filipino “Reproductive Health” bill that introduced anti-family and anti-life policies, and strongly opposes abortion and euthanasia.
On the other hand, he holds that some situations exist where universal moral principles do not apply, such as Communion for cohabitating unmarried couples, and issues relating to homosexuality.
Cardinal Tagle is a vocal advocate for environmental causes, and has made ambiguous statements about the goodness of all religions — raising questions about what Tagle believes to be the essence of the gospel.
Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, 59
Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça is a poet, biblical scholar and educator in his native Portugal, and a prelate very much on the “progressive” wing of the Church with a close affinity to Pope Francis.
Analysis Excerpt: Tolentino sympathizes with heterodox and tolerant approaches to homosexuality (although never publicly speaking against Church teaching) and allying himself with a radical feminist Benedictine sister who promotes abortion, women’s ordination, same-sex “marriage,” and the adoption of children by same-sex couples. He views such acts as part of an effort of engaging the Church with modern culture.
He is a passionate reader and lover of literature; his poetry is highly regarded by specialists, but notably more in the secular sphere than religious.
In terms of governance, he has shown himself to be capable, but he is not known to be a team player and can be difficult to work with.
For those cardinal-electors wanting a continuity candidate, someone certainly heterodox and modernist with perhaps an even greater revolutionary impulse than Francis, the Portuguese cardinal from Madeira could be their ideal candidate.
Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, 69
Archbishop of Bologna, Italy
Created cardinal by Pope Francis
Summary: Matteo Zuppi is a personable prelate with friends across the political spectrum in his native Rome. Someone with a lifelong concern for the poor and marginalized, the Italian prelate is a true son of the spirit of Vatican II.
Analysis Excerpt: Zuppi believes the Church must “reject hate,” engender “authentic solidarity,” embrace religious pluralism and “fraternity,” and go out to the peripheries to help the poor and the marginalized.
For Zuppi, individualism is anathema and community, activism, and mission must come first. He has a devotion to Our Lady and values prayer, but his emphasis on social justice and equality has inevitably brought him into alliances with Italian leftist politics.
But despite his distinctly “progressive” leanings and connections with Freemasonry, he also tries to dialogue with those on the right and keep channels open with those who favor Church tradition. He has celebrated the old Mass on at least two occasions and in 2022 celebrated solemn Vespers in the Pantheon.
It is not always easy to know exactly where Zuppi, an intelligent prelate with a sharp mind, stands on doctrine and other issues, as he can tailor his message to his audience. Invariably his views lean clearly in a heterodox direction, such as on the indissolubility of marriage, homosexuality, gender ideology, and hell.
His supporters would say this makes him able to tackle the complexities of the modern world; his critics might describe him as a clever, archetypal modernist.
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