As the Catholic Church prepares for a pivotal conclave to elect the successor to the late Pope Francis, the influence of older cardinals, often referred to as "kingmakers," is becoming increasingly significant. While these cardinals, aged over 80, cannot vote in the conclave, their experience and insights during the pre-conclave meetings could shape the outcome of the election.
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the second of nine masses for the deceased Pope was celebrated in St. Peter's Square, attended by numerous cardinals and thousands of young faithful. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, officiated the mass, which was marked by a vibrant atmosphere contrasting the solemnity of the occasion.
The conclave is expected to begin on May 5, 2025, with preparations already underway in the Vatican. In a recent meeting on April 25, 2025, 149 cardinals gathered, with 33 taking the floor to discuss various issues, including the global situation and the future direction of the Church. This gathering served as a platform for many cardinals to position themselves ahead of the conclave.
Despite being unable to participate in the voting process, the older cardinals play a crucial role in these preliminary discussions. Their extensive experience, having participated in multiple conclaves, allows them to guide younger cardinals who have never been part of such an event. Remarkably, 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote were appointed by Pope Francis, while 62 were appointed by Pope Benedict XVI and 41 by Pope John Paul II. This dynamic creates a mix of perspectives, as the new appointees may not necessarily align with the sentiments of their predecessors.
Among the notable older cardinals are Giovanni Battista Re, 91, who will preside over the "Misa Pro Eligendo Pontifice" just before the conclave begins, and Angelo Bagnasco, who has been influential in Italian ecclesiastical circles. Their roles are pivotal as they can sway opinions and consolidate support for potential candidates.
Cardinal Re, in his homily during Pope Francis's funeral, emphasized the importance of continuing the late Pope's legacy. He stated, "We must welcome his inheritance and make it life," a sentiment echoed by Cardinal Parolin during the second mass of the novendiales.
The presence of experienced cardinals like Re and Bagnasco is seen as a guiding force in the conclave. They are expected to articulate the challenges that the next pope will face, potentially shaping the agenda for the new pontificate.
While the Italian cardinals have traditionally held significant power within the Church, their influence has waned in recent years. Nevertheless, they remain a crucial minority, capable of uniting around a candidate if they find common ground. The competition is expected to be fierce, with various factions vying for control over the direction of the Church.
In the upcoming conclave, the older cardinals will not only influence discussions but also help identify potential candidates. This could range from conservatives seeking to maintain traditional values to more progressive figures advocating for reform. The unpredictability of the conclave is underscored by the fact that a cardinal's appointment by a previous pope does not guarantee alignment with that pope's vision.
The role of the younger cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, adds another layer of complexity. They may feel a sense of loyalty to the late pope's vision but also face pressure from their older counterparts to consider alternative paths.
As the cardinals gathered at Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their respects to Pope Francis, lines formed outside the basilica, with many waiting hours to honor the late pontiff. This public display of mourning highlights the deep connection between the faithful and their leaders, as well as the weight of the decisions that lie ahead.
In the coming days, the cardinals are expected to continue their discussions, with meetings planned to finalize the date for the conclave and address pressing questions about the future of the Church. The outcomes of these dialogues will undoubtedly impact the direction of the Catholic Church for years to come.
As the world watches, the conclave promises to be a significant event not only for the Church but also for the millions of Catholics worldwide. The decisions made in the Sistine Chapel will reverberate beyond the Vatican walls, shaping the Church's response to contemporary challenges and its role in a rapidly changing world.
