Cardinal Barbarin unleashes on Cardinals Aveline and Parolin
According to Cardinal Barbarin, Cardinals Aveline and Parolin do not possess the stature one would expect from a Pope
Excerpts from an interview with Cardinal Barbarin, published on April 30 in Paris Match:
Do you consider Cardinal Aveline a serious candidate for the next Conclave?
Cardinal Aveline is certainly a high-quality figure. However, I must say that in the discussions I have had, his name has not particularly come up. I have not heard any cardinals campaigning explicitly in his favor.
Do you think he could nevertheless attract the attention of South American or Asian cardinals?
It must be recognized that his French nationality could constitute an obstacle. Historically, France has often been perceived as having hegemonic tendencies, which is not always well regarded in international ecclesiastical circles. Even when we had a figure as exceptional as Cardinal Lustiger, who enjoyed considerable influence, this did not translate into significant support during previous conclaves. Jean-Marc Aveline certainly has great qualities, but he doesn't have the same international stature. By comparison, I think Cardinal Bustillo arouses more interest among the voters of the Sacred College.
Cathcon: Bustillo has good relations with a priest of his diocese who is ex-SSPX and only says the Latin Mass
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Would an African pope be conceivable in your opinion?
Absolutely. I'm not claiming that this is necessarily what will happen or even that it's more desirable than any other option, but it is certainly possible today, and such a choice would be very well received by the universal Church. The next pope could be European, African, Asian... An American would perhaps be more complex for geopolitical reasons.
Do you believe in the option of an elderly cardinal to ensure a "transitional" pontificate?
Personally, although I could be wrong, I tend to think we'll elect someone younger than 70. This is simply my intuition, without any specific information. The Church is facing considerable challenges that will likely require a pontificate of some length to implement a coherent vision.
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Which Cardinal profile will win your support?
The new Pope must possess two fundamental qualities: a true pastor and a solid theologian. We need someone who is close to the people of God while also possessing a deep theological understanding, because he will continue to be a doctor of the faith whose teaching matters. For me, John Paul II embodied this model: a tireless pastor who visited as many local churches as possible, while offering substantial teaching. Certainly, his perspective was marked by his Polish culture, which differs somewhat from ours, but his teaching was profound and enduring. His writings continue to be read and reflected upon today, a testament to their enduring theological value.
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What are your thoughts on Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is considered by many observers to be one of the favorites for the papal succession?
I don't see Cardinal Parolin as the next pope, for structural rather than personal reasons. As Secretary of State, his role is fundamental to the daily governance of the Vatican. He is responsible for ensuring that the administration functions efficiently, yet his performance has fallen short of expectations. Moreover, the Pope's mission is of a different nature—he must look to the universal Church and the entire world. The papal office requires a comprehensive pastoral vision, while the Secretary of State must focus on the internal organization of the Roman Curia. Each dicastery requires specific profiles. Both the Doctrine of the Faith and the Secretariat of State need individuals of exceptional intellectual stature and leadership skills. To be frank, I find that Cardinal Parolin, although competent, does not have the stature that one would ideally expect from a Secretary of State, and even more so from a Pope. […]
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