VATICAN CITY.—Practically half of all cardinal electors are currently in Romawhich makes the Synod of Synodality be a kind of prelude to a future conclave, according to an analysis of the “National Catholic Register” which is collected by the “Aci Prensa” portal.
The purpose of this month’s Synod on Synodality is to determine how to put into practice Pope Francis’ push for greater dialogue, openness and participation of the laity in the affairs of the Church.
However, 61 cardinals are among the voting members of the Synod, meaning there is a good chance that Francis’s 87-year-old successor will be here, right now, at the synod session. And so are a significant number of the men who are likely to choose him, whoever he may be.
“National Catholic Register” recalls that while a handful of the participating cardinals, such as the archbishop emeritus of Boston, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, cannot vote in a future conclave because they have passed the 80-year-old threshold, the group still includes to almost half of the 122 cardinal electors currently eligible to vote for a new Pope.
That makes the month-long meeting the best time for papables to put their best foot forward.
The high probability that the next Pope will be here in Rome for the Synod is not just due to numbers.
It is also a product of what the Synod of Synodality is, of how its participants were chosen and also of how the Pope has shaken up the typical dynamics prior to the conclave.
While some cardinals in the Synod were selected by their respective bishops’ conferences, many are here because they already lead important Vatican positions or are permanent members of the Synod of Bishops. Others were personally selected by the Pontiff, suggesting some degree of additional influence.
Furthermore, the Synod is a very significant—and quite controversial—ecclesial event, with enormous implications for the future of the Catholic Church.
It is quite possible that the main question among cardinal electors in a future conclave will be how the next Pope will carry forward—or not—Francis’ emblematic initiative.
With that in mind, what the cardinals say or don’t say during the Synod will have an additional layer of meaning.
Finally, it is well documented that, while Francis has expanded the geographic composition of the College of Cardinals, he has also limited the number of opportunities its members have had to meet, exchange ideas, and get to know each other, all important elements before the conclave.
That makes this month’s assembly perhaps the best opportunity yet for a papal candidate to make himself, and his vision for the Church, known to a significant number of his red-hat brethren.
¿Papables?
Among the Synod delegates are frequently touted papal figures such as Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state for the past 10 years. The career diplomat rose above much of the turbulence that has marked Francis’ pontificate, although his connection to the Vatican’s controversial deal with China over the appointment of bishops may be a mark against him for some.
A report from last year’s session suggested that Cardinal Parolin positioned himself as a moderate during the Synod in a way that could boost his conclave prospects.
Another Italian participant who must be followed closely is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, from Bologna. Although the progressive, a friend of the traditionalists, has downplayed the rumors that he is “papable,” he has serious factors in his favor.
Long associated with the influential Community of Sant’Egidio, Cardinal Zuppi has served as the Pope’s personal peace envoy and is president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, which still has 13 current electors, by far the most from any country.
Of course, any discussion of a possible successor to Pope Francis should include the man once dubbed the “Asian Francis”: Cardinal Luis Tagle.
The charismatic Filipino star and pro-prefect of the Vatican’s evangelization office apparently faded when Francis removed him from the leadership of Caritas International in 2022. But the Pope has since tapped him for roles such as papal envoy to the US National Eucharistic Congress. , which some observers saw as an opportunity for Cardinal Tagle to “reframe his impressions.” The Synod may be another.— National Catholic Register
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Interview with Cardinal Francesca Aloisio: Insights on the Synod of Synodality and Future Papal Elections
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Cardinal Aloisio. With almost half of the cardinal electors currently gathered in Rome for the Synod of Synodality, many are referring to this event as a precursor to a future conclave. What are your thoughts on this gathering and its implications for the Church?
Cardinal Aloisio: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the Synod of Synodality is a unique occasion where many cardinal electors are engaged in discussions about the future of the Church. It’s significant not just for its current agenda but also for the potential influence it may have on the upcoming conclave. With 61 cardinal electors among the voting members, their interactions and discussions here hold great weight.
Interviewer: The Synod is aimed at enhancing dialogue and the involvement of the laity. How do you see these goals impacting the selection of the next Pope?
Cardinal Aloisio: Pope Francis has emphasized a more inclusive Church, and this synodial process is about listening and participating. The next Pope will need to embrace these values, and the discussions here will likely reflect how well candidates resonate with these principles. The cardinal electors are observing closely how their peers articulate their visions for a Church that is open and engaged with the faithful.
Interviewer: Given that this synod may have implications for the papal conclave, do you believe there’s a strategic aspect to how cardinals are presenting themselves?
Cardinal Aloisio: Absolutely. This gathering provides a platform for potential papal candidates—often referred to as “papables”—to showcase their ideas and leadership qualities. The nuances of the conversations and the positions taken may give us clues about who stands out and who is favored by their peers. It is a critical moment where relationships are formed and reinforced.
Interviewer: There has been mention of the Pope reshaping the dynamics leading up to a conclave. Could you elaborate on what that means for the cardinals?
Cardinal Aloisio: Traditionally, conclaves were shrouded in secrecy and limited interaction among electors. However, Pope Francis has encouraged a more collaborative and transparent approach. Despite his efforts to expand the geographical representation within the College of Cardinals, he has also limited formal opportunities for them to engage. The synod serves as an invaluable moment for networking, collaboration, and, importantly, understanding each other’s priorities.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you think the outcomes of this Synod might frame the discussions among cardinal electors regarding the next Papacy?
Cardinal Aloisio: The discussions and discernments made here will likely inform the cardinal electors’ considerations about the future leadership of the Church. It’s clear that the next Pope will inherit the mantle of Pope Francis’ vision or, conversely, may seek to chart a different course. The questions of continuity and change will weigh heavily in their minds as they reflect on what they hear and witness at this Synod.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Cardinal Aloisio, for sharing your insights on this significant moment in the life of the Church.
Cardinal Aloisio: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
Cardinal Aloisio: Certainly. Pope Francis has worked to diversify and expand the geographical representation of the College of Cardinals, but he has also created a more limited environment for engagement among them. In the past, cardinals had more opportunities to meet informally and establish connections, which are crucial for building consensus ahead of a conclave. The current dynamics mean that the Synod is one of the rare occasions where they can interact deeply, which can significantly influence the outcome of future papal elections.
Interviewer: Among the attendees, there are several figures often mentioned as potential successors. Do you think we might see any clear frontrunners emerging from this synod?
Cardinal Aloisio: It’s certainly possible. Individuals like Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi are well-positioned, given their extensive experience and deep understanding of both the global and local Church. Their ability to articulate a vision that aligns with Pope Francis’ agenda will be closely watched. Cardinal Luis Tagle, too, remains a significant figure due to his charisma and prior roles under the Pope. However, it will ultimately depend on how effectively they communicate their vision for the Church during the synod.
Interviewer: As the discussions unfold, what key themes do you anticipate will dominate the conversations among the cardinal electors?
Cardinal Aloisio: I expect themes surrounding inclusivity, dialogue, and the role of the laity to dominate. Given the Pope’s focus on these areas, cardinals will likely reflect on how these principles can be carried forward. Issues like church governance, engagement with contemporary societal challenges, and the changing demographics of the Church are also likely to be hot topics. The insights shared during this synod will undoubtedly resonate in the conclave and may guide the next Pope’s priorities.
Interviewer: Thank you, Cardinal Aloisio, for sharing your valuable insights on the significance of the Synod of Synodality and its influence on future papal elections. We look forward to seeing how these discussions evolve.
Cardinal Aloisio: Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal moment for the Church, and I am optimistic about the path forward.
