Summary
Pope Francis has maintained the traditional rule that allows cardinals to elect the future pope, but he weakened their ability to function as a collective. This was evident during his initial pontificate when he called an unprecedented consistory in 2014, held behind closed doors for two days. The consistory focused on themes related to the upcoming synod on the family, and Francis entrusted key tasks to Cardinal Walter Kasper. However, this decision caused friction within the cardinals, as many opposed Kasper’s proposals regarding communion for divorced individuals. Despite attempts by some cardinals to counterbalance Kasper’s influence, including a presentation in “L’Observatore Romano,” Pope Francis vetoed it. In October 2015, thirteen prominent cardinals signed a letter contesting the framework and defending traditional church teachings on divorce and remarriage. These cardinals included high-ranking members from various regions, highlighting the challenges to consensus within the Catholic hierarchy during Francis’s pontificate.
Key Topics
Pope Francis, College of Cardinals, Synod on the Family
