The New Pope and His Vision for a Collegiate Church

This morning, the new Pope had his first meeting with the cardinals gathered in Rome for the conclave. According to the Cardinal of Madagascar, Désiré Tsarahazana, the meeting was very positive and highlighted the need for a more collegial Church. This approach could represent a significant change in the governance of the Catholic Church, promoting greater inclusion and participation of members of the clergy.

Collegiality as a priority

Collegiality is a concept that implies greater sharing of power and responsibility among bishops. Cardinal Tsarahazana highlighted how the new Pope received over 100 votes, a clear sign of support from the cardinals. This consensus could facilitate the implementation of reforms that aim to make the Church more open and accountable to the faithful. Collegiality is not only a theological principle, but a practical necessity to address contemporary challenges.

The Challenges of the Modern Church

The Catholic Church faces many challenges in the modern world, including loss of faithful, scandals, and the need for spiritual renewal. The new Pope’s vision could be a response to these issues, promoting more open dialogue and greater accountability among church leaders. Collegiality could also foster greater attention to social issues and human rights, which are increasingly being requested by the faithful.