From the first words spoken by Pope Prevost on Saint Peter’s balcony, verticality and evangelisation emerge as the proclamation of Christ and popular Marian devotion. With some concessions to the process of synodality, a legacy of the previous pontificate.
Handicap start for Pope Prevost
The first North American Pope, Robert Prevost, is a relative surprise, but that the cardinals have chosen to elect somebody suspect of covering up for priests accused of sexual abuse is astonishing. It is an element for blackmail in a world that makes no concessions to a Church that wants to maintain its identity in the world..
Black smoke, the world waits for the next Pope
After the predictable outcome of the first ballot, the world's attention remains fixed on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel until the election of Peter's successor. A sign of strength for the Church in the face of a prejudiced and hostile public opinion. And it comes not from "openings" but from a centuries-old ritual.
Conclave secrecy from Extra omnes to Habemus papam
From today, the cardinals will be sequestered under Michelangelo's Last Judgement with the solemn task of choosing Peter's successor. The only sign from outside will be the puffs of black smoke of unsuccessful ballots until those of white smoke announce the 267th pontiff.
As we saw at the funeral of Pope Francis, the Last Things have been reduced in preaching to two: death and paradise. While the Last Judgement and Hell have been forgotten. But in this way the truth about mankind is lost and true hope and mercy are denied. The recovery of the eschatological discourse should be a priority for the new Pope.
The name of the Filipino cardinal is one of the most popular among the candidates: he talks a lot about the poor (and is so moved in every speech), but he likes to visit the billionaires who control the casinos of the Pacific, and several sources concord that he himself regularly gambles in the casinos of Macau.
Prevost and Co, anyone involved in sexual abuse should not be pope
It is disturbing to see among the names of possible candidates for the papacy those of cardinals involved in scandals of corruption or sexual abuse. Like Robert Prevost, former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, who is facing serious charges. Or the many linked to the McCarrick case.
Malore, Becciu and China: the system closes ranks around Parolin
Dubia, gays, China, corruption: 7 priorities for the new Pope
Moral theology a priority for the new Pope
Parolin, the great manipulator who wants to be Pope
Respect the law to ensure justice and avoid absolutism
The last pontificate was a triumph of arbitrariness. The proper exercise of authority must be restored, anchoring it once more in divine and natural law and in the good and objective order of the Church.
The Church must combat liturgical apartheid and abuse
The quality of the liturgy, a formidable instrument of evangelisation, is an indicator of the "state of health" of the Church. The new Pope will have to resume the work of reconciliation between the ancient and post-conciliar rites.
Jesus is the only Saviour, hence the mission of the Church
The constant condemnation of proselytism in general has emptied evangelisation of its meaning and promoted religious relativism. We must recover Jesus' command to proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Dramatic clash between cardinals: Becciu excluded from conclave
After a 'fiery' Congregation, Cardinal Becciu takes a step back and withdraws from the upcoming conclave. Two documents have been unearthed to sideline the Cardinal, but new details about the accusations are emerging, adding to the mystery. The conclave begins on 7 May.