Cardinal Sarah's Resignation & Future: Latest Developments
Could a traditionalist, outspoken critic of Pope Francis, ascend to the papacy? The recent resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah, coupled with his strong conservative stances, has ignited speculation about his potential role in a future conclave and the direction of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican's announcement on a Saturday morning confirmed what many had anticipated: Pope Francis had accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The news, disseminated by the Vatican Press Office, offered no immediate indication of Sarah's successor. This left many wondering about the future of the liturgy department, a key area of influence within the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Sarah's departure marks a significant moment, particularly given his conservative viewpoints. This is further complicated by the fact that he is a vocal critic of several of Pope Francis's policies, notably those concerning the traditional Latin Mass and engagement with broader social issues. The conservative wing of the Church has actively rallied around Cardinal Sarah, viewing him as a potential leader who could steer the Church in a more traditional direction. Support for Sarah has been particularly visible on social media platforms, where many see him as a figure who could counteract what they perceive as a liberal drift within the Church under Pope Francis.
Born in Guinea, Cardinal Sarah has served as a prominent figure in the Vatican for many years. He was appointed head of the liturgy department, a position of considerable influence, by Pope Francis. However, their paths diverged significantly over time. Sarah's conservative views placed him at odds with Pope Francis's more inclusive approach, particularly regarding issues like sexuality, the role of women, and engagement with the modern world. For example, Sarah has been a staunch defender of the traditional Latin Mass, a liturgical form that Pope Francis has, in some ways, restricted. He has also been critical of the synodality process that Pope Francis initiated, a process intended to foster broader participation within the Church.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Sarah |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Ourous, Guinea |
| Cardinal Title | Cardinal-Deacon of San Giovanni Bosco in Via Tuscolana |
| Appointment to Cardinalate | November 20, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Conakry (1994-2001), Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (2001-2010), President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum (2010-2014), Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (2014-2021) |
| Key Positions | Known for his traditionalist views on liturgy and doctrine. |
| Major Publications | "God or Nothing: A Conversation on Faith" (2015), "The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise" (2017) |
| Controversies | Often at odds with Pope Francis on issues like the Traditional Latin Mass and the Synod on Synodality. |
| Notable Qualities | A strong proponent of traditional values within the Catholic Church. |
| Retirement | Resigned from his position as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship on February 20, 2021. |
| Conclave Eligibility | Lost his right to participate in a conclave on June 15, 2020 (due to age). |
| Reference | Vatican News |
The dynamics surrounding the upcoming conclave, whenever it may occur, are complex. Cardinal Sarah, even though he will not be able to vote, remains a figure of considerable influence. Conservative voices see his departure from the Vatican's liturgy department as a potential loss for their cause, but they also recognize the importance of his continuing voice within the Church. With the death of Pope Francis, Sarah, along with Cardinal Raymond Burke, was seen in a video, as the two cardinals entering the Vatican side by side.
Sarahs stance on the Latin Mass, a liturgical rite that predates the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, has been a point of contention. He has publicly lamented any restrictions on its use, describing them as potentially harmful to the Church. His defense of the traditional Latin Mass, which he sees as a vital link to the Churchs past, has earned him significant support from traditionalist Catholics.
The future of the Latin Mass remains uncertain. Pope Francis has indicated his intention to regulate its use, and the appointment of Sarahs successor will likely influence this process. The next prefect will have the authority to set the tone for liturgical practices within the Church, making the selection of this successor a closely watched event. The traditional Latin Mass is a major point of dispute within the Church, and Sarah's views are directly opposed to Francis.
His views on sexuality also align with the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church. He has spoken out against the acceptance of same-sex relationships and has emphasized the Churchs stance on marriage as being between a man and a woman. This stance, along with his views on liturgy, has made him a focal point for conservatives who are concerned about what they perceive as a liberal shift under Pope Francis.
This divergence in viewpoints reflects a broader ideological struggle within the Church. Some conservatives feel Pope Francis is pushing the Church too far in adapting to modern society, while those who support his approach see him as attempting to make the Church more relevant and inclusive. Cardinal Sarah, in many ways, has become a symbol of the traditionalist faction. His writings and speeches have often articulated the concerns of those who believe the Church is losing its way.
Cardinal Sarah's departure coincided with him reaching the age of 75. Although his resignation as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship was accepted, he remains a cardinal. This means he retains his right to participate in the election of a new pope, a significant factor in the Church's future. However, as he turned 75 in June 2020, he no longer has the right to vote in a papal conclave.
Despite not being among the frontrunners, Cardinal Sarah has garnered a considerable following, especially within the conservative ranks. This suggests that even without holding a position of power, his views and influence will continue to be a force within the Church. The support from conservatives highlights the ongoing tensions and debates within the Church over doctrine, liturgy, and the direction it should take.
The impact of his resignation extends beyond his specific role. The selection of the next Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship will be closely watched. This individual will have the responsibility of overseeing liturgical practices and will shape the future of worship within the Catholic Church. The appointment is seen as a critical step in determining whether the Church will move further in a liberal direction, or if it will reaffirm traditional values. The choice of the next head of the liturgy department is therefore crucial to understanding the future trajectory of the Catholic Church. The resignation, and the upcoming selection of his successor, will likely play a significant role in shaping the Church's future.
The ongoing discussions within the Church regarding the Traditional Latin Mass, homosexuality, and relations with the Muslim world highlight a spectrum of views. The conservative viewpoint, as articulated by Cardinal Sarah, is frequently at odds with the vision of Pope Francis, creating a palpable tension within the leadership of the Church.
The context surrounding Sarah's departure is also shaped by the future of the College of Cardinals. In 2025, the college of cardinal electors will be poised to elect a new pope. The individuals selected for this role significantly influence the direction the Church will take. The appointment of new cardinals by Pope Francis has reshaped the composition of the college, as he has appointed the majority of the cardinals.
The implications of Cardinal Sarah's departure extend beyond the Vatican itself. The views and perspectives he represents have a broad following within the Catholic Church. His pronouncements on matters of faith and practice resonate with many, including those who are concerned about the direction in which the Church is heading. The support for Sarah indicates a deep-seated desire for a return to traditional values, and this will continue to be an important voice in shaping the future of the Church.
As the Church moves forward, the legacy of Cardinal Sarah and his perspective will continue to shape the conversation. His influence, coupled with the changes in leadership, will have a significant impact on the direction of the Church. With his departure and the impending conclave, the conservative voice, as represented by Cardinal Sarah, will undoubtedly remain a strong influence, making it an important factor in understanding the future direction of the Catholic Church.
