Breaking Down the Conclave: How Leo XIV Stood Out as Pope Favorites
Favoritism detected towards Pope Leo XIV, as per Cardinals' accounts
By Aljoscha Prange
The electrifying smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel announced the arrival of a new pope last Thursday, marking the end of the arduous conclave. Cardinals unveiled the cloaked details behind the underdog's unforeseen triumph against the favored Italian contender, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The crowded St. Peter's Square erupted in jubilation at around 6 p.m., signaling the election of Robert Francis Prevost, an American, as the new spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. Many were taken aback by this turn of events, as Parolin was initially favored to ascend the throne.
The American Enigma
According to the Wall Street Journal, Prevost's vote count saw a steady increase with each ballot, while Parolin's remained unchanged. Prevost clinched the papal election with a resounding 89 votes, leaving cardinals in red robes to cheer in approval. Prevost matched the billowing smoke's serene composure as he stood, a smile gracing his face, once the result was confirmed. "I can scarcely comprehend the thoughts swirling in one's head in such situations," said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, to a US newspaper.
"I Had No Idea Who He Was"
The bewilderment surrounding Prevost's election was indicative of the betting markets. The news portal "katholisch.de" reported that Cardinal Parolin was the clear favourite, followed closely by Ghanaian cardinal Peter Turkson, Italian cardinal Matteo Zuppi, and Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Discussions Over Dinner
Tagle himself recounted in an interview with the New York Times that Prevost had approached him for advice during the conclave. "How does this work?" Prevost asked him. "I had experience in conclaves; he didn't," Tagle explained.
Unlike Tagle, Prevost was relatively obscure and began the election as an underdog. "I didn't even know his name," said David, a cardinal from the Philippines.
Speeches that Inspired
Unlike Pope Francis, whose passionate speech before his 2013 election garnered worldwide attention, Prevost's speeches were less lauded. "He spoke like everyone else," said Spanish cardinal Juan José Omella Omella.
However, one speech in particular managed to sway supporters of Pope Francis. On the last day before the conclave, Prevost delivered a compelling speech about the Synodal Way, captivating those who identified with a more inclusive and participatory church.
In contrast, Parolin refrained from discussing the topic during his Mass the day after the late Pope Francis' funeral. "It was noticeable that he didn't mention synodality," said Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Vatican official.
Climbing to Victory
When the conclave commenced on Wednesday, Parolin began with a commanding lead of 40 votes in the first round of voting. The field behind him was fragmented. Even by Thursday morning, Parolin still held a significant advantage. However, Prevost began to gain ground, catching up swiftly.
During the lunch break, Prevost apparently emerged as the favourite, with negotiations and tactical discussions over pasta and steak securing his standing. "Matters were clarified at lunch," US Cardinal Blase Cupich informed a US media outlet. After that, the conclave wrapped up in just one more round of voting. The final tally: 100 votes for Prevost.
Upon his election as pope on May 8, Prevost found himself seated in the same chair that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (later Pope Francis) occupied during the 2013 conclave that elevated him to the papacy. US Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who participated in both papal elections, commented on this coincidence.
As the highest-ranking cardinal in the hall, the original papal favorite, Parolin was the first to approach the triumphant American and inquire, in Latin, if he accepted the election as Pontifex. "I accept," he replied. When asked for his name, he simply said "Leo." Parolin was also the first to kiss the ring of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. "Parolin is a gentleman," said Singaporean Cardinal William Goh, describing the scene.
Sources: ntv.de, New York Times, Wall Street Journal
Keywords:
- Catholic Church
- Vatican
- Rome
- Italy
- USA
Enrichment Insights:
The shift in support from Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost primarily occurred due to several factors affecting Parolin's candidacy and the qualities Prevost brought to the table.
Factors Affecting Parolin's Candidacy
- Health Concerns: Parolin's health issues raised concerns among some cardinals, potentially diminishing his support.
- Vatican's China Policy: Parolin's involvement in the Vatican's China policy became a point of contention, as some cardinals were skeptical about his approach.
- Traditional Church Teachings: Parolin's stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's roles in the church was perceived as conservative, potentially alienating cardinals seeking progressive leadership.
- LGBTQ+ Issues Comments: Parolin's muted response to the Pope's declaration allowing priests to bless same-sex unions was seen as a rejection of more inclusive church policies, further eroding support.
Prevost's Rise in Popularity
- Synodality: Prevost's advocacy for synodality resonated with cardinals who value inclusivity and participatory church structures.
- Language Skills and International Experience: Prevost's multilingual capabilities and his international travel experience strengthened his connections with cardinals.
- Leadership Style: Prevost's conservative yet determined leadership style was attractive to cardinals seeking a decisive leader.
- Consensus Candidate: Prevost emerged as a consensus candidate during the church gatherings for Pope Francis' funeral, potentially due to his balanced approach and his ability to relate to diverse church groups.
- The European Union, as a prominent global economic, political, and cultural entity, played a significant role in shaping the opinions and decisions of the cardinals during the papal election, with debates in dinner conversations revolving around the EU's leadership, finance, and general news.
- The unexpected rise of Robert Francis Prevost, the new pontiff, was attributed not only to his effective speeches but also to his strong understanding of the Synodal Way and the European Union, given his international experience as a church leader.
- The European Community, and specifically the EU's policies and affairs, became topics of interest among cardinals during the conclave, with the election of an American pope sparking discussions regarding the future of the Catholic Church's relationship with the European Union.
