Cardinal claims: Only "very isolated" criticism of Francis in the pre-Conclave.

As one of three Papal electors from Germany, Cardinal Reinhard Marx participated in the conclave. In an interview, he now reflected on his first meeting with Cardinal Prevost and commented on the Vatican's financial situation.

From the perspective of Munich Cardinal Reinhard Marx, there was only "very isolated" criticism of Pope Francis in the pre-conclave. 

Trying to pretend nothing is going to change

"150 cardinals spoke out, and the overwhelming majority were of the opinion that Francis' pontificate was important for the Church," Marx told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" (Friday). "There was absolutely no talk of a return to earlier times. Without, of course, wanting to be a copy of Francis." He perceived a "strong urge for unity."

In his view, the Church is not divided, Marx further emphasized. "Of course, there are different tendencies within the Church, and perhaps there are some very vocal groups that want to go backward," explained the Archbishop of Munich and Freising. "But if you look at the entire people of God, the faithful who attend services on Sundays and shape the congregations – they are not divided." The period from the death of Pope Francis until the election of Pope Leo XIV touched him deeply. "These three weeks were a time of grace for all of us. To see what the Church means in the world," Marx said. He knew that other times would come again – "but it is precisely for these times that one needs the memories of this unity."

Holy Spirit Felt in the Conclave

Regarding the rumor that he had strongly advocated for Prevost as the new pope behind the scenes, Marx said: "Of course, when you're together for nine to ten days in the pre-Conclave, people come up and say, 'Why don't we exchange ideas? That's normal, isn't it?' And then various names come up. Is that so surprising? I don't think so."

He had only met then-Cardinal Prevost last year, Marx explained. He "very much enjoyed" the conversation: "It was very calm, very objective. He listened with an informed ear and was cordial and on an equal footing," the cardinal said. "He has remained very pleasantly in my memory, and when I traveled to Rome for the conclave, I admit that the name hadn't completely left my mind." Marx added that he wasn't surprised that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost enjoyed broad support among the 133 papal electors. "We speak of the Holy Spirit working in the conclave, and that was palpable. I don't want to give too much away, but you do think: How is that possible, so quickly?"

When asked about the disputes between the Vatican and the Church in Germany surrounding the Synodal Path, Marx said he did not want to dictate anything to the new Pope.

 

"I'll just say: Bishop Prevost also promoted synodal elements in his Diocese in Peru".  

The Synodal Path is still necessary. 

"Francis was indeed occasionally full of concern about it, and I tried to reassure him," 

Marx said. However, it is important to establish the participatory element in the Church without turning it into a parliamentary democracy. "Leo XIV understands this, he is also a canon lawyer."

See previous post on the financial situation.

Source