Choosing the next Pope as a pundit is a bit like backing horses. If you knew the winner in advance you could be a rich man or woman. Of course, the answer is nobody knows who the 133 Cardinals eligible to vote will choose. And so I believe it is all down to the Holy Spirit. Now the Holy Spirit did a good job at the last Conclave and picked an outsider, Jorge Bergoglio from Buenos Aires, Argentina who turned out to be the most charismatic Pope in years. He led the Church along a new path –the path of humility and simplicity. He set a wonderful example for all members of the Church and especially for clergy. He denounced clericalism and authoritarianism in the church. He took the side of the poor, the prisoners and the migrants and he made an outstanding contribution to the debate about Climate change and the Care of Creation.
Will the Holy Spirit go for an outsider this time? Will the next Pope come from Africa, Asia, South America or Europe? I do not think we are ready for an North American yet. I think that the majority of Cardinals who were appointed by Pope Francis are convinced that someone down to earth like Francis would be the best man to be the leader of the Church for another 10-20 years.
Who could possibly fill the shoes of the much loved Pope Francis? I propose three names that I think would be able to follow in his footsteps and bring the Church forward to meet the needs and aspirations of the women and men of this century.
The first name I think has a good chance and would make a good leader is Cardinal Grech (68) from Malta. He has been instrumental in implementing Pope Francis idea of a Synodal Church –a listening church that consults the members in every country about the role of the Church now and into the future. The big consideration in the future years will be the role of women in the Church. Equally important will be the involvement of young people in all aspects of Church life –especially in prayer and liturgy as well as working for justice and peace in the divided world.
The second name I propose is that of Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonca from Portugal (aged 60). He is close to the thinking of Pope Francis and to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. He may be a bit too young but I still think he is in with a good chance.
The third name is Cardinal Bo (77) from Yangon in Burma who is strong on caring for the Earth- a subject dear to Pope Francis.
There are a few others, including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo(65) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who has shown himself not afraid to take on the authoritarian government and the injustice against the poor. Another possibility is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67) from Manila, Philippines. He is a strong supporter of the Church for the poor and is considered a charismatic leader. I would be happy with any of these as I think they will continue to implement the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and help create a more inclusive Church for all the baptised.
These are only some names that I think might be in with a chance. We will know in a week or so who the next Pope will be.
It is always an exciting time for the faithful when a Conclave starts. We have had the sorrow of losing a Pope but then the majesty and spectacle fills us with wonder. Francis was a wonderful leader, he cared for the poor. John Paul II was a charismatic Pope. Maybe we will get a combination of the two?