So, we bid adieu to Benedict.
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So long, sinners!
And who will replace him? I have a fascination with all things predicting, and a new Pope is something that only comes around once in a blue moon. So I've made myself a list of the papabile Cardinals that have been suggested. For my interests, I'm looking at who's progressive, who's ultra-conservative, who only pities the gays rather than thinks they're 'fundamentally diseased' (like Benedict thought). There are a number of betting lists out and about, and they vary slightly --some have Arinz and Schönberg listed highly-- but the two that seem to be popping up everywhere are the Ghanian Cardinal Peter Turkson and Canadian Marc Ouellet.
Arinze and Bertone, two of the more controversial candidates
Francis Arinze (Nigerian, age 80)
-known to be friendly and progressive with inter-faith matters, particularly Islam, but otherwise a hardline conservative
-one of the principle advisors to John Paul II
-anti-gay
Tarcisio Bertone (Italian, age 78)
-speaks Italian, French, Spanish, German and Portuguese; some English, Polish, Latin, Greek and Hebrew
-current Camerlengo
-very much in the public eye, often fiercely criticized for gaffs; difficult to find flattering photos of!
-supports universal free access to AIDS drugs
Bagnasco and Hummes are both known for their workers' rights advocacy
-critical of unethical politics, publicly attacked Berlusconi
-advocate for workers' rights
-intellectual heavyweight
-two-time president of Italian bishops conference
-critical of gay marriage
-speaks Portuguese, Spanish, German and Italian
-social justice advocate: pro labour unions; liberation theology; critical of global capitalism
-wants a review on clerical celibacy
-conservative on sexual matters and basic doctrine
Kasper and Napier are both conservative scholars
Walter Kasper (German, age 79)
-speaks German, English and Italian
-often works towards ecumenism (Christian unity)
-has become more outspokenly conservative recently, particularly about secularism
Wilfrid Napier (South African, age 71)
-hardline conservative
-abstinence-based policy on AIDS, anti-gay
The two frontrunners: Marc Ouellet and Peter Turkson
Marc Ouellet (Canadian, age 68)
-prefect of the Congregation of Bishops (third most powerful)
-uninterested in being Pope
-theologically similar to Benedict: a hardline conservative, very critical of abortion and secularization
-can be progressive: 2007 apology for Church's pre-1960 attitudes towards Jews, minorities, First Nations, women and gays
Peter Turkson (Ghanian, age 64)
-speaks Fante, English, French, Italian, German, Hebrew
-very popular in west Africa and elsewhere; friendly and personable
-can be antagonistic to Islam; anti-gay
-does not rule out condoms in prevention of AIDS
Ravasi and Rodríguez
Gianfranco Ravasi (Italian, age 70)
-known for intellect and communicative style
-never had a diocese, which is seen to be a big problem
Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga (Honduran, age 70)
-speaks Spanish, English, French, Italian, German and Portuguese
-moderate, but conservative on matters of sexuality
-fierce social justice advocate
Sandri and Scherer
Leonardo Sandri (Argentinian, age 69)
-number 2 in Vatican Secretary of State's office; former Chief of Staff
-reserved, bureaucratic; no pastoral experience
Odilo Scherer (Brazillian, age 63)
-moderate, although a conservative by Brazilian standards
-critical of Marxist orientation of liberation theology, but otherwise a strong social rights advocate
Schönborn and Scola
Christoph Schönborn (Austrian, age 68)
-conservative on sexual matters, but critical of the Church's actions on the sex abuse scandal
-some rumours floating around say that he is known to be cruel to subordinates
Angelo Scola (Italian, age 71)
-focus on education, youth, family; work on biomedical ethics, sexuality
-known to be friendly and open, despite grumpy-looking photographs!
-wants to reform how Church plays a role in society, criticizes its inability to clearly communicate
-scholar on Christian-Islam dialogue
Awesome! Thank you. :)
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