Latest news with #Erdő
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who will be the next pope? Some potential candidates to succeed Francis
Predicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is near impossible as cardinals' positions shift over successive votes and some try to game the system to influence the chances of their favoured – or least-favoured – candidates. In the last conclave in 2013, few predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. At the moment, speculation is focusing on these men to succeed him: Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy Seen as a moderate 'continuity candidate', Parolin was close to Francis. He has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013, playing a key role in diplomatic affairs, including delicate negotiations with China and governments in the Middle East. He is regarded as a reliable and trusted papal representative by secular diplomats. In 2018, he was the driving force behind a controversial agreement with the Chinese government on the appointment of bishops, criticised by some as a sellout to the communist regime. Parolin's critics see him as a modernist and a pragmatist who places ideology and diplomatic solutions above hard truths of the faith. To his supporters, he is a courageous idealist and avid proponent of peace. Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the Philippines Tagle, a former archbishop of Manila, would be the first Asian pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. At one time he was considered to be Francis's preferred successor and a strong contender to continue the late pope's progressive agenda, but recently appears to have fallen out of favour. He has suggested that the Catholic church's stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh, but has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines. Peter Turkson, 76, Ghana Turkson would be the first black pope in centuries. He has been vocal on issues such as the climate crisis, poverty and economic justice while affirming the church's traditional positions on the priesthood, marriage between a man and a woman, and homosexuality. However, his views on the latter have loosened and he has argued that laws in many African countries are too harsh. He has spoken out on corruption and human rights. Péter Erdő, 72, Hungary A leading conservative candidate, Erdő has been a strong advocate for traditional Catholic teachings and doctrine. He would represent a big shift away from Francis's approach. He is widely regarded as a great intellect and a man of culture. Erdő was a favourite of the late cardinal George Pell who believed he would restore the rule of law in the post-Francis Vatican. In 2015, Erdő appeared to align himself with Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orbán, when he opposed Francis's call for churches to take in migrants. Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy Appointed a cardinal by Francis in 2019, Zuppi is considered to be on the progressive wing of the church, and would be expected to continue Francis's legacy, sharing the late pope's concern for the poor and marginalised. He is (relatively) liberal on same-sex relationships. Two years ago, Francis made him the Vatican peace envoy for Ukraine, in which capacity he visited Moscow to 'encourage gestures of humanity'. While there he met Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox church and Vladimir Putin's ally. He has also met Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president. José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, 59, Portugal Tolentino is one of the youngest potential successors to Francis, which could count against him – ambitious cardinals may not want to wait another 20 or 30 years before another shot at the top job. He has attracted controversy for sympathising with tolerant views on same-sex relationships and allying himself with a feminist Benedictine sister who favours women's ordination and is pro-choice. He was close to Francis on most issues, and argues that the church must engage with modern culture. Mario Grech, 68, Malta Grech was seen as a traditionalist but began to embrace more progressive views after Francis was elected in 2013. His supporters argue that his changing opinions show his capacity for growth and change. He has criticised European political leaders who sought to limit the activities of NGO ships and has expressed support for female deacons. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italy Since 2020, Pizzaballa has been the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, a crucial role in advocating for the Christian minority in the Holy Land. After Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Pizzaballa offered himself as a hostage in exchange for children who were being held by Hamas in Gaza. He visited Gaza in May 2024 after months of negotiations. He would be expected to continue some aspects of Francis's leadership of the church, but has made few public statements on controversial issues. Robert Sarah, 79, Guinea Sarah is a traditional, Orthodox cardinal who at one time sought to present himself as a 'parallel authority' to Francis, according to a Vatican observer. In 2020, he co-authored a book with the then retired Pope Benedict defending clerical celibacy that was seen as a challenge to Francis's authority. He has denounced 'gender ideology' as a threat to society, and has spoken out against Islamic fundamentalism. Like Turkson, he could make history as the first black pope in centuries. • This article was amended on 21 April 2025. An earlier version stated that Luis Antonio Tagle could become the first black pope in centuries, however this should have said Peter Turkson.
Metro
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Fifth of humanity could be guided by one of the world's most conservative leader
A hardline stance against LGBTQ+ marriage within the Catholic Church. A gatekeeper of 'traditional family values'. And a supporter of Viktor Orban's autocratic leadership in Hungary that is also aligned with Vladimir Putin. Yes, this is cardinal Péter Erdő – one of the top candidate to succeed Pope Francis. His name is gaining quiet but persistent traction amid the power struggle that will soon engulf the Vatican. Erdő is regarded as one of the smartest, most strategic candidates on the list. As an expert in Church law, he has been on a fast track his entire career – becoming a bishop in his 40s and a cardinal in 2003 when he was just 51, making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals until 2010. He is from Hungary – so a European, making him part of the Vatican's 'inner circle'. The Cardinal was also once a papal contender in the last conclave in 2013 due to his extensive church contacts in Africa and Europe. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! And he is aged only 72. Considering that Francis died at the age of 88, Erdő could have at least a decade as a leader of the Catholic Church if the rest of the Conclave gets behind him. He speaks Italian, German, French and Spanish, as well as Russian. This could help him thaw relations between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches after the deep chill of the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Observer hailed him as 'the pope's ideal successor' even before Francis' death – but is this accurate? Regardless of his achievements, an Erdő papacy would be a signal that the Vatican is heading in an entirely different direction from what Francis has left behind. Where the late pontiff bent the Church – LGBTQ+ acceptance, refugees and a stance against the wars in Ukraine and Gaza – the Hungarian candidate is a purist and may tighten back the rules. Erdő raised eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Francis' call for churches to take in refugees, saying that this would amount to human trafficking. His stance appeared to align with Orban's persisting anti-immigration policies. More Trending In an age of polarisation, the conclave may see him as a stabilising choice, one that would not cause a lot of noise and restructure Catholicism. British bookmaker William Hill has the Hungarian further down the list, as 10/1. But to dismiss him would be premature. Erdő is trailing behind better-known names like Vatican secretary of state Pietro Parolin (9/4) and the globally beloved Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (3/1), who could become the first Asian pope. Heavyweights like Ghana's Peter Turkson and Italy's Matteo Zuppi both sit at 6/1. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: The Pope's funeral had a strict dress code — but not everyone followed the rules MORE: Who will replace Pope Francis? The favourites for the next pope revealed MORE: Putin ignores Pope Francis's funeral and launches deadly strikes on Ukraine
The Guardian
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Péter Erdő is a strong candidate to be the next pope – and that's reason to be fearful
Who might be the next pope? The question is famously difficult to answer. But we can be reasonably confident that if the successful contender comes from the traditionalist camp – as opposed to the reformists – then he is likely to be Hungary's most senior bishop, Péter Erdő. If you follow Hungarian politics then you will know of Erdő – a highly cultured man, respected for his broad learning well beyond his specialism in church law. His expertise has made him a valued consultant to Vatican bodies, while his sermons and interviews abound with historical and literary references. Yet he's also a remote figure, lacking the common touch that defined Francis's papacy; ascetic-looking, he's rarely pictured smiling. His links to his country's far-right Fidesz government should, however, warn us about the risks of his possible election. Erdő has been archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and a cardinal since 2003. He first developed an international profile by leading the Council of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe, the representative body for Europe's Catholic bishops. Latterly, he's gained a stronger standing outside Europe, especially among traditionally minded African and American bishops. This builds on his role as rapporteur for the global Synod on the Family (2014-15), convoked by Pope Francis to reflect on the church's pastoral teaching in the light of changing social conditions. During the synod he resisted moves towards a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ and divorced Catholics: 'The current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights … must be avoided,' he told delegates in a keynote speech. Vatican-watchers differ on the viability of his candidacy. Conservatives certainly like him. Erdő, however, has been spoken of as a contender before, in 2013, ahead of the conclave that elected Pope Francis. On that occasion he was eliminated early, leaving some commentators sceptical of his present candidacy. Yet there are important differences between then and now. In February 2013, Erdő was 60, generally reckoned too young for the job. Today, at 72, he's in the 'sweet spot', able to offer the church a decade or more of stable governance without risking the stasis of a generational papacy such as John Paul II's (1978-2005). Erdő could also ride a wave of traditionalist pushback against Francis's reforms – just as Francis did with a progressive reaction to Benedict XVI's pontificate (2005-2013). Nevertheless, despite his conservative views, Erdő's use of cautious and moderate language makes him notably less controversial than two other leading traditionalists, such as Robert Sarah. He can thus position himself as a compromise candidate: 'He is conservative but not reactionary, and comes across as both pragmatic and diplomatic,' notes the Hungarian Catholic journalist Zoltán Laky. It would, however, be a mistake to be swayed by Erdő's apparent moderation. Although not as intimate with Hungary's far-right premier, Viktor Orbán, as some other bishops, Erdő has nonetheless cultivated a close partnership with the governing Fidesz party since 2010. Generous subsidies for the church have been a plank of Fidesz's policy. One (now-ex) cleric from Erdő's diocese who became known for expressing dissenting views, András Hodász, claimed that 'I was confronted from above' and told 'not to say such things because the church would not get [financial] support'. In September 2023, Erdő was seen by many to cross a line by attending the annual Kötcse picnic, a high-profile but exclusive event for Fidesz insiders during which Orbán gives a confidential briefing about the party's policy direction in the coming year. During the migration crisis in the mid-2010s, Erdő declined to criticise Fidesz's hate campaign against migrants. In 2017, he abruptly terminated a live TV interview when asked if the government's vilification of asylum-seekers was compatible with Catholic teaching on compassion for such people. He has also been mute in the face of the de facto criminalisation of homelessness in Hungary in 2018, and the introduction of Russian-style legislation stigmatising the LGBTQ+ community in 2021. Potentially more troubling than Erdő's silences about public issues are signs of past mishandling of allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy, most particularly the case of abuse survivor Attila Pető. Pető's complaint led to the unfrocking of a priest who had abused dozens of children. His demands for an apology from the church were, however, met by legal action from diocesan officials. Last month, Snap (Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests) lodged a complaint with the Vatican alleging that Erdő's conduct in the matter had 'harmed the vulnerable and caused scandal' in breach of the church's own legal code. Cardinal Erdő's office did not reply to an approach for comment for this article. Previously, in a 2021 interview with Válasz Online, he distanced himself from the legal action against Pető, saying that it was a private matter for the diocesan officials concerned. 'We even owe this man a debt of gratitude,' he added. In March 2025, a diocesan spokesperson responded to the Snap complaint by telling the Hungarian outlet Telex that the diocese believed its handling of the matter to have been timely and appropriate. Erdő's possible ascent to the papal throne would be bad news for LGBTQ+ Catholics, and those who have remarried after divorce. It should, however, also worry abuse survivors and anyone concerned with the integrity of Christianity's presence in public life. The church has a duty to challenge those in power when they exceed their proper authority or weaponise appeals to 'Christian identity' for political ends. This is a task in which, as Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Péter Erdő has failed miserably: there's little reason to think that as pope he'd do any better. Alex Faludy is a British-Hungarian freelance journalist based in Budapest, specialising in religious affairs
Metro
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Fifth of humanity could be ruled by one of the most conservative leaders
A hardline stance against LGBTQ+ marriage within the Catholic Church. A gatekeeper of 'traditional family values'. And a supporter of Viktor Orban's autocratic leadership in Hungary that is also aligned with Vladimir Putin. Yes, this is cardinal Péter Erdő – one of the top candidate to succeed Pope Francis. His name is gaining quiet but persistent traction amid the power struggle that will soon engulf the Vatican. Erdő is regarded as one of the smartest, most strategic candidates on the list. As an expert in Church law, he has been on a fast track his entire career – becoming a bishop in his 40s and a cardinal in 2003 when he was just 51, making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals until 2010. He is from Hungary – so a European, making him part of the Vatican's 'inner circle'. The Cardinal was also once a papal contender in the last conclave in 2013 due to his extensive church contacts in Africa and Europe. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! And he is aged only 72. Considering that Francis died at the age of 88, Erdő could have at least a decade as a leader of the Catholic Church if the rest of the Conclave gets behind him. He speaks Italian, German, French and Spanish, as well as Russian. This could help him thaw relations between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches after the deep chill of the war in Ukraine. Hungarian Observer hailed him as 'the pope's ideal successor' even before Francis' death – but is this accurate? Regardless of his achievements, an Erdő papacy would be a signal that the Vatican is heading in an entirely different direction from what Francis has left behind. Where the late pontiff bent the Church – LGBTQ+ acceptance, refugees and a stance against the wars in Ukraine and Gaza – the Hungarian candidate is a purist and may tighten back the rules. Erdő raised eyebrows in the Vatican during the 2015 migrant crisis when he went against Francis' call for churches to take in refugees, saying that this would amount to human trafficking. His stance appeared to align with Orban's persisting anti-immigration policies. More Trending In an age of polarisation, the conclave may see him as a stabilising choice, one that would not cause a lot of noise and restructure Catholicism. British bookmaker William Hill has the Hungarian further down the list, as 10/1. But to dismiss him would be premature. Erdő is trailing behind better-known names like Vatican secretary of state Pietro Parolin (9/4) and the globally beloved Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (3/1), who could become the first Asian pope. Heavyweights like Ghana's Peter Turkson and Italy's Matteo Zuppi both sit at 6/1. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: JoJo Siwa's queer realisation on Celebrity Big Brother has nothing to do with Chris Hughes MORE: UK bans console controllers being shipped for Putin's forces to pilot drones MORE: Pope Francis donated €200,000 to prisoners from his personal account before he died
Budapest Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Cardinal Erdő: We fondly remember the Holy Father's visits to Hungary
Cardinal Erdő said Pope Francis "represented the cause of peace consistently". 'We fondly remember the Holy Father's visits to Hungary in 2021 and 2023, when it was clear that he held the Hungarian people close to his heart,' Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, said on public news channel M1 on Monday. Cardinal Erdő said Pope Francis 'represented the cause of peace consistently'. The pontiff did not see Europe through the lens of a European, but as a Latin American. 'This is important because Europe is not the world; it is very important and we love it, but the world is bigger. And we must be Europeans while also perceiving the movement of the whole world. This is something we could learn from him,' Cardinal Erdő said. Pope Francis paid special attention to those living on the periphery, both of society and of the world, with whom others barely had contact. It was also important that he purposefully strengthened dialogue with other religions, the cardinal said. 'So he loved to cross walls, loved to open doors,' he added. Commenting on his personal ties with the pope, Cardinal Erdő qualified it as a 'lively relationship', adding that they had met 'very often'. Regarding bishops' conferences, he said: 'Everything he told us was very sincere and constructive.'
