Cardinal thinks a long Conclave is quite possible especially if there is a conspiracy around a minority candidate

Cardinal Kasper describes the atmosphere during a papal election

"It has to be a decision of conscience"

Walter Cardinal Kasper knows what a conclave is like; he has participated twice. Due to his age, he is not voting this time. One factor in particular could prolong the conclave, explains the former Curial Cardinal.

DOMRADIO.DE: 2005 was the first conclave you participated in; Joseph Ratzinger ultimately succeeded John Paul II. How did it feel for you to be able to elect a German pope?

Walter Cardinal Kasper: After Pope John Paul II, people thought someone would follow his lead. That was Benedict, but on the other hand, he was a different personality to Pope John Paul II. No one would have thought that a German Pope would be elected after Germany's Nazi past. That was important for Germany's reputation; although there was then a certain alienation process between Benedict and many people in Germany.

DOMRADIO.DE: Let's look at the Conclave itself. How can we imagine it? Does the daily routine consist of work and sleep?

Kasper: There's a unique atmosphere in a conclave. You know that what we do is important and crucial for the Church. It's a serious task, and you have to take responsibility for what you do. Discussions are taking place, but no one is trying to push one candidate over the other, at least that's how I perceived it. Whom you vote for has to be a matter of conscience.

It's also not like a party congress. These are liturgical events; you come in "Cardinal's dress." Then you pray a Holy Hour together, perhaps Terce in the morning or Vespers in the evening. There's no discussion at all at the assembly.

Walter Kasper

"There aren't two parties, one winning and the other losing, but everyone accepts this new pope."

When a pope is elected, it's naturally a relief. Everyone goes to the newly elected pope and exchanges the sign of peace with him. That means they recognize this. There aren't two parties, one winning and the other losing, but everyone accepts this new pope.

DOMRADIO.DE: What kind of Pope could there be after Pope Francis? What expectations are there?

Kasper: There are conflicting expectations. A distinction must be made: In the Western churches, such as in Germany, there are completely different interests than in the Southern Hemisphere. There, it is the substantive aspects that Pope Francis has brought to the fore: poverty, wars, injustice. A terrible injustice prevails in the world.

For us, it's about whether the Pope allows the ordination of women or abolishes celibacy. The Pope should have some knowledge of the universal Church, from the broad middle ground. In my opinion, someone should be chosen who can talk to both sides and try to bring people together rather than divide them. That seems important to me in the current situation. Because the Church has become entrenched in contradictions that really shouldn't exist.On the other hand, I personally would like the new Pope to continue the basic principles laid down by Pope Francis. Francis has taken many initiatives, opened many doors, and allowed many questions to be raised. The fact that one can even discuss these things without being censored has created a different, new atmosphere.

DOMRADIO.DE: Are there any cardinals in this group like the ones you just described?

Kasper: I think there are many who want to continue along these lines, including with the Church's synodal structure, meaning no more rigid hierarchy, but rather that everyone has a say. But there has to be a pope, a bishop who summarizes things and can have a say. Otherwise, it won't work.

A Church with 1.4 billion people is not a speedboat that can make quick turns. It's a large steamer, and you can only steer it slowly. It takes time for something to prevail.

There are also others who are against it; they more or less want to return to the old ways. In my opinion, that has no future.

Walter Kasper

"A Church with 1.4 billion people is not a speedboat."

DOMRADIO.DE: The conclave is a large gathering of cardinals; some of them are unknown. Because there are always new cardinals...

Kasper: This is particularly difficult in the current conclave. Francis has appointed many new ones, including many from the periphery whom no one knows. For the cardinals, it's like this: You're together, eat together, and meet each other. It's also a question of language skills: The working language is Italian, but English is essential. Most people can speak that, too.

Or you know Cardinals who know others. Then you can ask: How about this one? Only someone who already knows the universal Church and whom the cardinals also know can be elected. There's really no other way to do it. Some names are being discussed, and I don't even want to comment on that. Everyone can gather their information.

"Only someone who already knows the universal Church and whom the Cardinals also know can be elected."

You grow together. You're together morning and midday, and all of this takes place in an atmosphere of prayer. There's a certain tension, especially during the final vote, when it comes down to whether a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority or not. A third could block everything.

But if they get two-thirds of the vote, or often far more, then they can't be considered an "extremist." Extreme positions also have their purpose; they keep the debate alive. But for a two-thirds majority, you need broad support.

DOMRADIO.DE: From sports or politics, we know that there's cheering when someone wins.

Kasper: When the time comes for the white smoke to appear, there's clapping. That's clear. It's not cheering, no commotion; these are all grown-ups. But it's certainly a joy; you go up to the elected candidate and give them a kind of hug, a peace sign.

There are sometimes rumors about what's going on behind the scenes. I've never been drawn to it. When you wear liturgical clothing, there's a kind of solemnity that doesn't allow for any rudeness.

DOMRADIO.DE: It's often said that the Holy Spirit influences the decision.

Kasper: It's hard for me to describe it to you, but yes, something is moving there. I had that impression, especially at the last conclave. Things are moving now. Someone is being elected who isn't European, who comes from the "other side of the world." That was a decision. You then get the impression that it's being carried by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit becomes visible through conscience.

You must always keep in mind: In which assembly at the global level can you reach a result of two-thirds so quickly, not just 50 percent? Only the Holy Spirit can do that. You're in the Sistine Chapel, casting your vote, and looking at Michelangelo's depiction of the Last Judgment. At some point, you have to give an account of that.

DOMRADIO.DE: How long do you think the conclave will last?

Kasper: It's impossible to say. The most recent Conclaves all went relatively quickly. This time, many cardinals don't know each other, which could cause delays. Or if there's a conspiratorial group that has a one-third majority and wants to elect someone most people don't want, but still has that one-third majority, then you have to start all over again. That could delay things considerably.

I don't think a drastic change of direction is coming now. Rather, what's needed is a certain calming down of the Church's current situation. We need a new style of interaction within the Church. If the new Pope can achieve that, then it will be a pleasure to work with him.

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