The passing of Pope Francis, at the age of 88, has sparked a global conversation about the future of the Catholic Church.
His papacy, often viewed by conservatives as a departure from traditional Catholic values, has ended, paving the way for a potential shift in the Church's direction. A key figure in this discussion is Cardinal Robert Sarah, a 79-year-old conservative favorite from Guinea. However, it is essential to temper expectations, as his ascension to the papacy is far from certain.
According to the Western Journal, The Guardian recently profiled Sarah as one of nine potential successors to Pope Francis. Despite this, the importance of prayer for Sarah's success cannot be understated, especially when considering the alternatives. One such alternative is Jos Tolentino Calaa de Mendona, a 59-year-old from Portugal, who has stirred controversy for his progressive views on same-sex relationships and alignment with a feminist Benedictine sister who supports women's ordination and pro-choice stance.
The contradiction between supporting abortion and adhering to Christian or Catholic beliefs is stark. Pope Francis, despite his shortcomings, did condemn abortion as the murder of children. However, his other actions, such as inviting transgender sex workers to lunch at the Vatican, were seen by many as an endorsement of 'wokeness' rather than a teaching about sin. His comments equating the evil of abortion with opposition to open borders, particularly in relation to then-Vice President Kamala Harris and President Donald Trump, were also controversial.
Francis's statement, "They are both against life the one who throws away migrants and the one who kills children," drew criticism for its perceived hypocrisy, given the Vatican's own fortified borders. In essence, Pope Francis was seen by many as more of a pro-life globalist than a traditional Catholic leader.
The potential ascension of Cardinal Sarah to the papacy would be a cause for celebration among conservatives. Sarah has expressed concern about Europe's self-destruction due to mass immigration and the abandonment of its Christian heritage. In a recent interview, he stated, "Europe doesn't want anymore or has lost the sense of its origins. It has lost its roots. Yet, a tree without roots, it dies. And I'm afraid the West is dying."
Sarah's words resonate with many who believe that God used Donald Trump, a billionaire real-estate developer from New York, to save the United States. Could God also use a black cardinal from Africa to save the West from itself? Sarah's warning about cultural invasion and the potential dominance of other cultures through sheer numbers has struck a chord with many conservatives.
However, a Sarah papacy would undoubtedly face opposition from liberals, as evidenced by their treatment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The prospect of a black conservative leading the Catholic Church could potentially incite liberal backlash.
The future of the Catholic Church hangs in the balance. Many former Catholics have considered returning to the Church, but the prospect of another Pope like Francis or a Pope with similar progressive views, such as Mendona, could drive them away. The Church's future direction could either draw them back or push them towards a church that upholds traditional Christian teachings. This uncertainty underscores the importance of prayer for Cardinal Sarah and the future of the Catholic Church.
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