Rome, May 3 (LaPresse) – "What’s truly beautiful about the general congregations is that the different speeches reflect the viewpoints of cardinals from all over the world. A geographical dimension clearly emerges, as well as diverse sensitivities. After John Paul II, who had his own immense and extraordinary mission; after Benedict, who spoke so deeply and clearly about God; and after Francis, who showed us the face of a Church that mercifully leans toward all and does not scorn anyone—bringing the marginalized to the center—we need someone who can carry forward that legacy. And I believe that eventually, he will emerge, as all the different pieces are falling into place," said Cardinal Fernando Filoni, 79, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, in an interview with La Repubblica.
What role should the next Pope play? "He is not someone who has to do everything: he shouldn’t simply continue everything, nor start everything anew. We need a Pope who can gather the voices of our communities, of our Churches, and of the difficult societies we live in—whether with God, without God, or even against God. Naming names now is not possible," he added.
"The Pope cannot solve all problems on his own—he needs the support of the College of Cardinals and the College of Bishops. That’s the only way to truly be Pope. Of course, he must offer direction and vision."
Should the next Pope be more assisted in his role? "This is what has emerged since the Second Vatican Council—a theology of collegiality, synodality, and communion. In my view, that should be emphasized, because it is how we respond to a difficult and complex world," Filoni concluded.
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