March 7, 2013
(Romereports.com) The election of the next Pope is not taken lightly. Benedict XVI himself
said so during his meeting with the cardinals on his last day as Pope.
BENEDICT XVI
“I
want to tell you that I will continue to be very close to you in
prayer, especially in the following days, so that you may be completely
open to the Holy Spirit as you elect the next Pope. May the Lord show
you what He wants.”
Before actually voting, the Cardinals
take a vow, which says: “With Christ our Lord, who will judge me, as my
witness, I hereby vote before God, for the person whom I believe should
be elected.”
In fact, the vow of secrecy and all the security
measures that are carried out before and during the conclave are meant
to avoid any external pressures. The goal of course is for cardinals to
freely elect the right person to lead the Church.
But the question is, what type of leader are the cardinals looking for?
FR. BERNARDO ESTRADA
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
“A
Shepard who can make decisions. I think that Benedict XVI saw that
with his limited strength, he couldn't make specific and big decisions
for the Church. The decisions don't have to be 'traumatic' so to speak,
but even so they can set a change of direction.”
In addition
to this, Cardinals are also looking for a Pope who leads a strong life
of prayer, since he will be the spiritual leader to more than 1 billion
people.
The Papacy is perceived as a service to the Church.
Promoting oneself for the job is considered counterproductive. It's said
that a person who openly wants to be Pope, doesn't necessarily
understand the nature of the job and the sacrifice that comes with it.
FR. BERNARDO ESTRADA
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
“The
next Pope has to follow the line of Benedict XVI, not only with his
thinking but also in his teaching. Benedict XVI is a great theologian.”
Most
recently, the Church focused on the connection between faith and
reason. Benedict XVI emphasized that these two notions feed off from one
another. So the next Pope must further this train of thought through
his teachings.
FR. BERNARDO ESTRADA
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross
“The
mere fact that the Pope can resign and has resigned could influence the
vote of the cardinals. They could choose the person who they believe is
the best person for that very moment.”
The Pope is an
international figure, who must have good communication skills, since in
essence, he speaks to the world. Understanding the dynamics of the media
will be key.
Benedict XVI once said that the Church itself is
not of this world, but it is in this world. Since the Vatican is
actually a country, its leader must also be able to manage its
government and its diplomatic aspects.
CARD. JOSÉ SARAIVA MARTINS
Prefect, Emeritus of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints
“The
Pope must be prepared and willing to face the fundamental problems in
today's society. The challenges of our Church and of contemporary
society.”
Being Pope is no easy task of course. The Pontiff
must take on long grips, keep up with a rigorous schedule, meetings,
speeches and religious celebrations.
Electing a Pope is taken
quite seriously by the cardinals, but they say that ultimately it will
be the Holy Spirit who has the final say.
RCG/KLH
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