Chit-Chat with Cardinal Fernando Filoni: Hope, Unity, and the Future Pope
Mediator required, says Filoni, dismissing extremes from both sides.
Hey there! Let's dive into an exclusive chat with Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, who'll enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7.
Yo, Your Eminence! What's brewing in your wise mind about the next pope and the Church's future? "Picture this: after the legendary times of St. John Paul II, who shattered walls worldwide, and the insightful Benedict XVI, who spoke about God in a profound yet accessible way, Pope Francis offered a harmonious blend of these visions. I'm positive we're meant to tread along this path. But remember every Pope has a unique take on the mandate of Peter. They listen to their fellow cardinals in Conclave, who each bring the wisdom of their Churches and cultures."
So, what type of guy or gal are you hoping to see take the helm?
"The next Pope needs to strengthen the Church's unity. They should pour energy into ecumenical relations and interfaith dialogue. The Church has been dancing a broad path of synodality, collegiality, and valuing episcopal conferences. I believe it's crucial to maintain and expand upon this trail."
What do you think Francis has left behind as his legacy? "He taught us what it means to be Christians. I suspect he'd have summed it up this way, too. That's the most captivating part. And maybe it's the essence of everything he's shared."
You mentioned synodality and collegiality; Francis had his rivals, right? Are you concerned about tensions or score-settling during the Conclave? "Nah, I'm not afraid. In fact, I believe debates and different perspectives help grow the Church. We shouldn't imagine a Church free from conflicts; there have always been challenges. The Church moves forward through trials."
What adjustments do you think should be made in the Church? "There are issues that need addressing, and I believe those will surface during discussions among bishops and cardinals. Just like with Francis, new approaches will likely emerge, building upon shared intuitions."
From an international perspective, given the world's current state of conflict, what hopes do you harbor for the Church's role? "The Church's role is within men's history. We don't pick our circumstances, but walk along with Christ's universal vision. In the last twelve years, we've witnessed difficulty in countries like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine, Gaza, Central Africa, and Sudan. The Church needs to keep speaking the truth and work towards peace and reconciliation. Building bridges has been a recurring message from Francis, and we'll need to do more of that now."
- In the Sistine Chapel on May 7, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, is set to discuss the future of the Church and the selection of the next pope.
- Cardinal Filoni shared his thoughts on the upcoming pope, stating that the new leader should be one who strengthens the Church's unity, focusing on ecumenical relations and interfaith dialogue.
- The Cardinal believes that Pope Francis has left behind a legacy of teaching what it means to be a Christian, expressing a hope that this would be how Francis himself would summarize his message.
- In response to a question about potential tensions during the Conclave, Cardinal Filoni expressed confidence, stating that debates and differences of opinion are natural and actually help the Church grow.
- As for the Church's future, Cardinal Filoni emphasized the need for ongoing discussions among bishops and cardinals to identify issues and develop new approaches, as was the case with Pope Francis.
- Recognizing the current state of war and conflicts around the world, Cardinal Filoni highlighted the Church's role in speaking the truth and promoting peace and reconciliation, echoing a recurring message from Pope Francis to build bridges.
