Who can become another pope? Cardinal Anders Arborelius evaluates

– We need the pope “bridge builder” – assessed the bishop of Stockholm Cardinal Anders Arborelius, who will participate in the conclave. In his opinion, “opportunities” are growing that Franciszek's successor will be from Africa or Asia.

The first in history of the Swede with cardinal dignity is mentioned by the media as a possible successor of Francis. About the candidacy of 75-year-old Arborelius, who contributed to the increase in the number of Catholics in Laicka Swedenwrote the French daily “Le Figaro”, American “Washington Post”, as well as the AFP agency.

The bishop of Stockholm, asked by PAP about these suggestions, replied that “on the conclave every cardinal could become a pope.” He pointed out, however, that “it is most likely that someone who comes from a more Catholic place than Sweden will be chosen.”

He reminded that his country was on the outskirts of the Roman Catholic Church. – With the movement of the center of the church to the southern part of the world, to Africa and Asia, the chances are growing that the pope will come from there – said the cardinal.

Cardinal Arborelius: We need a pope of the bridge builder

When asked about preparations for a trip to Vaticanwhere he was the first Swede to choose the Pope, he admitted that he feels that he was standing in front of him “great historical responsibility and mission”. “If you think about it, it's a bit like I am aware of my weakness, and at the same time I can count on God's help and support,” Arborelius emphasized.

According to bishop Stockholm, “the pope of the pope of the builder of bridges, someone who will strengthen unity among Catholics,”.

“The Church may fall victim to the polarization, which will make people not talk to each other,” he warned. He reminded that one of the ideas of Francis underlying synodality was the will of dialogue. – Listening to each other, even if we have different views and we are very easy to close in ideological camps – he noted. – There is still a danger that the Church will take over the patterns known from politics. It is very important to find a person who will also be – he noted.

The Swedish cardinal believes that the future pope should have the ability to establish ties and unite people from different parts of the world, where the social situation is different. – We see that many countries in Europe are going through drastic secularization, Sweden is already behind this time – he said, reminding that many young Swedes convert to Catholicism. – I think that it can be said that Franciszek's pontificate had a great positive impact on our country – he added.

Pope Francis is dead

Who is Cardinal Anders Arborelius?

Born in Switzerlandand Arborelius raised in Sweden went to Catholicism from Lutheranism at the age of 20. In 1971 he joined the Order of Bare Carmelites, and in 1979 he was ordained a priest. The bishop of Stockholm was appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1998, and the cardinal by Pope Francis in 2017. Arborelius is known for his modesty, prefers a modest habit than a bishop of robes. He also has good contact with people and a sense of humor.

In Sweden, where the Lutheran church of Sweden dominates, there are about 130,000 faithful members of the Roman Catholic church.