Cardinals Grapple with Divisions as They Prepare to Elect New Pope

Following Pope Francis' funeral, conservative cardinals are championing a message of 'unity' that some perceive as a push to reverse the late pope's inclusive reforms. This internal struggle hints at potential transformations in church doctrine depending on who succeeds Francis.

Even prior to the entombment of Pope Francis in a Rome basilica, conservative cardinals began rallying support for their agenda in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. They are using the motto "unity" as their rallying cry, which, while seemingly benign, is interpreted by advocates of Francis' inclusive approach as code for retracting reforms that expanded the church's reach.

A series of meetings among the cardinals has commenced, framed by a shared sense of mourning but overshadowed by deep ideological divisions. The forthcoming conclave, projected to start in early May, will tackle critical questions about the church's trajectory, including the potential for women to be ordained as deacons and the inclusion of divorced and remarried Catholics in communion – topics that have previously sparked intense debate.

Amidst this backdrop, conservative cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has emerged as a prominent voice. Following one meeting, he emphasized the need for unity while subtly advocating positions that may counter Francis' legacy. For many of Francis' staunch followers, this emphasis on unity signals an attempt to suppress the progressive changes that defined the previous pontificate.

As the cardinals prepare for the vote, it is evident that their discussions will not only examine who the next leader will be but also the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church amid significant ideological tensions. The outcome of the conclave could either solidify Francis' vision or pave the way for a more traditionalist approach, reshaping the church’s priorities for generations to come.