On the eve of the conclave that will elect the successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, Archbishop of Havana, shared his thoughts on the profile the next pontiff should have and the expectations of the Cuban Church regarding this historic process.
The conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7, in the Vatican, with the participation of cardinals from around the world who will need to elect the 266th successor of Saint Peter and 267th Bishop of Rome.
In an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, García, 76, emphasized that the meetings leading up to the conclave are characterized by a deep spiritual sense, rather than political maneuvers or regional alliances.
"The conclave and the general congregations are acts of faith", he affirmed. "We believe that the Holy Spirit is there."
The cardinal emphasized the importance of continuing the legacy of Pope Francis, particularly regarding synodality, understood as an inclusive way of walking together in the Church.
"There is a desire to grow what Pope Francis has bequeathed with his life, with his words, with his examples", he noted. "A desire to reach out to others, who ultimately represent Christ, a desire for the peace that is so needed in the world."
Regarding the profile of the next Pope, García expressed that he should be "a mystical man, a missionary, charitable, synodal, a synodal successor, with affection for people, because all over the world we all need affection".
The cardinal also emphasized that, beyond the linguistic, cultural, or pastoral differences among the cardinals, there is a common desire for unity and to maintain the spiritual legacy of Francis. "We are united, all the cardinals united on the common path, in what we aspire to,” he stated.
During his stay in Rome, García is staying at the Jesuit house in San Ignacio de Loyola, where he celebrates mass and hears confessions from the faithful. This closeness to the Jesuit community reflects his commitment to a Church that is close to those in need, a characteristic he hopes to see strengthened in the upcoming papacy.
The participation of the Cuban cardinal in this historic process is a source of pride for the Catholic community on the island, which sees in his presence a sign of the vitality and commitment of the Church in Cuba to the future of the universal Church.
The Pope Francis passed away in Rome at the age of 88. In the hours following his death, the Vatican also released his spiritual testament, written in 2022, in which he expressed his desire to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, an emblematic place he visited before and after each apostolic trip.
For his funeral, held on Saturday, April 26, more than 200,000 people gathered from the early hours in St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione. During the Mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, his commitment to peace, care for the poor, and closeness to the people were remembered. Prayers were offered in several languages, including Chinese, an unprecedented occurrence at papal funerals.
Frequently asked questions about the election of the new Pope and the participation of the Cuban cardinal
What is the role of Cuban Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez in the conclave to elect the new Pope?
Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez participates as a cardinal elector in the conclave, which means he has the right to vote for the new Pope, as he is under 80 years old. His presence is a source of pride for the Cuban Catholic community and reflects the Church's commitment in Cuba to the future of the universal Church.
What characteristics should the next Pope have according to Cardinal García Rodríguez?
Cardinal García Rodríguez believes that the next Pope should be "a mystical, missionary man of charity and synodality", with a genuine affection for people. He emphasizes the importance of continuing the legacy of Pope Francis, especially regarding synodality and unity within the Church.
What has been the impact of Pope Francis's death in Cuba?
The death of Pope Francis has generated deep sorrow in Cuba. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba expressed its condolences and called for prayers in his memory, highlighting his legacy of faith, mercy, and commitment to the poor. Additionally, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and Army General Raúl Castro sent messages of condolence, emphasizing the close relationship that Francis maintained with Cuba.
What has the relationship been like between Pope Francis and the Cuban regime during his pontificate?
During his pontificate, Pope Francis maintained a close relationship with the Cuban regime, which enabled him to act as a mediator in the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States. However, he has faced criticism from certain exile and dissent sectors for not speaking out openly about the repression on the island.
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