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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Since I’m not a Catholic, the next Pope is really none of my business. Part of me says I should step back and let the members of the Church pick their next leader.
But, honestly, I have more than a passing interest. The Pope is the most visible Christian in earthly ministry. So even me, a Protestant who attends a storefront church, is praying for an enlightened choice.
I think most of how we talk about the Holy Father, especially in the secular media, is wrong. The recently-departed Francis was a liberal; Benedict and John Paul II were conservatives. So, depending on your politics, you “liked” the Pope or didn’t. It must be more than that. We should hesitate to box our religious leaders into politics only.
I disagreed with many of Francis’ views, but I cannot dislike him. He’s remembered as an environmentalist, but not exactly. He and I can agree that abusing the environment is a sin. He was an anti-capitalist. Yet he and I agree that naked greed is bad for the soul.
And there are many things that I like about the late Pope. He spoke powerfully for housing and feeding the poor. I, too, have tried to do my part. Francis often said that religious leaders must be among the people, not isolated administrators. Early is his papacy he said the church needs shepherds who know what the sheep smell like. There is profound wisdom in that.
My social media feed has been filled with short clips of the preferete; the cardinals who are likely to be picked. Most are evaluated as to whether they will continue to fast-moving reforms under Francis, or if a traditionalist – to slow down the pace of change – is the right choice at this time. Some others, older, less-known Princes of the Church, are talked about as compromise candidates. They might hold office for only a short time, and will allow the Church to catch its breath.
Those really aren’t the qualities that I pray for. I hope for a leader who can uphold doctrine, while creating as open and welcoming a faith as possible. The saving word of Jesus Christ has been flowering in Africa and Asia. New Christian brothers and sisters are joining the Church there. Luis Tagle, from the Philippines, is considered a liberal, but he speaks eloquently about Christianity being for all people all over the world. He is a powerful witness to faith. Cardinal Peter Turkson, from Ghana, would be the first African pope. He could consolidate the many new congregations into a firm Christian faith, leaving tribalism and ancient superstitions behind. I am also hopeful for Cardinal Timothy Dolan, although it is unlikely that an American will be chosen. Since becoming Archbishop of New York, I cannot think of a Catholic leader who has been more welcoming. Much of his ministry is based on a simple theme: Jesus waits for you, with his arms open. Will you embrace him?
I pray that the leaders of the Catholic church will be granted wisdom as they make an important choice.
Chris Conley
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