Behind-the-Scenes: How a Pope is Elected

    0
    0

    In Rome, amidst the city’s fragrant jasmine and the influx of tourists, a significant gathering is taking place behind closed doors. Cardinals from around the globe have convened to identify a successor to Pope Francis, engaging in private meetings and dinners to discuss potential candidates. This informal period of networking resembles the pre-conclave meetings of March 2013, which saw the ascent of Pope Francis, then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, thanks to strategic endorsements from reform-oriented cardinals, including Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor. These gatherings led to Bergoglio’s successful election by the fifth round of voting.

    Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the current archbishop of Westminster, has inherited Murphy-O’Connor’s former position but approaches his role differently. Unlike his predecessor’s outgoing nature, Nichols describes himself as more reserved and introspective. Despite these differences, the 79-year-old Nichols offers insights into the dynamics at play among the cardinal-electors. With Rome’s renowned carbonara on their plates, and thoughts of the church’s future in mind, cardinals are getting to know each other as they prepare to cast their votes during the conclave starting May 7.

    During this preparatory phase, Nichols is keen on listening to fellow cardinals, searching for an understanding of the type of leadership needed for the Catholic Church’s future. Mornings are dedicated to discussions in a Vatican auditorium, open to all cardinals, irrespective of age, to deliberate on the church’s needs. The official conclave proceedings, however, will be limited to cardinals who are under the age of 80. Outside of these meetings, cardinals have been seen discreetly taking in the city, blending into the hustle and bustle surrounding them.

    Nichols suggests that a vision for the next pope is taking shape as cardinals reflect on Pope Francis’ 12-year tenure. He emphasizes the need for a leader who not only embodies the depth of the faith but also exhibits an openness to it. Appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the archbishop of Westminster in 2009, Nichols became a cardinal in 2014 under Francis’ first papal consistory. His experience on crucial Vatican councils, like the dicastery for bishops, informs his perspective. Nichols notes a willingness among the cardinals to listen and reassess their opinions, as new insights and discussions arise.

    As they look back on Francis’ papacy, cardinals are viewing it in continuity with the doctrinaire stances of St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, while also acknowledging the Catholic Church’s growing diversity. Pope Francis notably expanded the College of Cardinals beyond traditional European bastions to include areas like Tonga and Mongolia. Although disagreements are aired, Nichols observes a shared conviction towards reinforcing the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. He perceives the need to establish continuity so these reforms don’t simply stand as the personal ideals of one charismatic yet singular papacy.

    Recalling the 2013 conclave, historians note how “Team Bergoglio,” a group of reformist cardinals, successfully rallied behind Bergoglio. Initially attempted in the 2005 conclave but overshadowed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the 2013 gathering found the reformists renewing their push. This effort included strategic dinner gatherings and informal lobbying to consolidate support for what would become the papacy’s first Latin American leader. As Nichols reflects on the current atmosphere, he refrains from revealing any preferred candidates but acknowledges the importance of being open-minded and adaptable in discussions this time around.