Cardinal Kasper: “They all want a new Francis" “The opposing factions? They are few, we will not backtrack”

Cardinal Kasper: “They all want a new Francis. A guide in the world’s dramas”

The German theologian: “The opposing factions? They are few, we will not backtrack”

“Look carefully around St. Peter’s and St. Mary Major and ask the crowd: everyone will answer that they are waiting for a new Francis. Without looking for a photocopy, I am convinced that we will continue along Bergoglio’s line, I have spoken about it with many cardinals”. And the opposing factions? “In the general congregations they seem to me to be a small group. The Church cannot afford to backtrack now”. Word of Cardinal Walter Kasper, world-famous German theologian.

Your Eminence, how should we interpret this new page in the history of the Church that is about to open with the Conclave?

"The answer can be found by observing St. Peter's Square and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore these days. They are full of faithful in prayer. It is a very strong sign. People are not indifferent, as some would have us believe. They are involved, they are deeply touched".

They are crying and paying homage to Pope Francis, and what else?

"They are expressing a desire, a hope, an interest. The massive presence of people around the Vatican and the tomb of the Pontiff indicates that the bond between the Church and the people is still alive, and perhaps stronger than ever. Despite the difficulties, the criticisms, the mistakes, people feel that the Church can offer a precious word for life, consoling, enlightening. This is a clear message for the cardinals called to elect the new successor of St. Peter".

In what sense?

"From my window I see people of all ages waiting patiently, for hours, under the sun. Long and interminable lines. They are not looking for a show, but for closeness. They are a people who pray, hope, ask. He has faith in the Church. That is why I say that this silent waiting is already a form of vow. It is not written, but it is eloquent. It is up to us to listen to it and respond with responsibility, depth and a spirit of service. The pope who comes will have to be able to read these signs".

What is the profile of the pontiff that the faithful expect today?

"I believe that there is a very clear expectation: people want a pope in the wake of Francis. A pastor who knows the language of the heart, who does not close himself in palaces, who does not speak only to theologians but to the concrete life of people. Bergoglio took the Church out of the temple, he pushed it to be in the suburbs, in the streets, among the wounded. The next pope will have to have the ability to continue along this line: to be close, to listen, to understand, to speak with mercy. This is what people want today. Not a distant pope, who speaks an abstract language, but a guide capable of entering into the dramas and hopes of our time".

Do you fear that in the Sistine Chapel there will be clashes between the different souls of the Catholic galaxy?

"It is normal for there to be different sensibilities in a universal Church. Diversity is a wealth. But it does not seem to me that there are harshly opposing fronts. Of course, there are also cardinals who hope for a change of direction with respect to Francis. But my impression, participating in the General Congregations, is that the majority of cardinals are on the line of continuity. The opponents seem to me to be a small group. Francis has been greatly appreciated, even by those who in the past had reservations. The Church cannot afford to backtrack".

Will the geographical criterion - the country of origin of the next Pope - be relevant?

"I don't think so, and this would be a great step forward. For decades we wondered whether the pope would be Italian, European, South American, African... Today this approach seems outdated to me. True Catholicism is not measured by latitude, but by the propensity to welcome and integrate differences. What matters is the person: his faith, his heart, his ability to be a pastor. The Church has a universal face".

And what role should cultures have in the next Pontificate?

"Cultural differences exist, and they must be listened to. The Church must be able to integrate the languages, symbols, and sensibilities of the various areas of the planet. The new pope will have to trust the universal Church, give space and listen to local Churches, especially those that are growing most rapidly today. It is time for decentralization, authentic synodality, collegiality. The future of the Church is built with many voices"

The Conclave opens in a world marked by wars, inequalities, and economic and social tensions. How much does this scenario weigh in the choice of the new Pontiff?

«We live in an extremely unstable era: conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, a climate of growing fear and uncertainty, rapid and sometimes disconcerting changes. Many realize that humanity can no longer move forward as it has in recent years. A new vision is needed, a new beginning. And the Church still has the possibility of offering a strong, prophetic voice, capable of providing direction. In this sense, the election of the pope is not an “internal” affair: it is a choice that affects all of humanity. The pontiff, today, is one of the very few truly global figures, listened to beyond religious boundaries».

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