Like many men in positions of authority, I think Pope Francis tended to view himself as irreplaceable and thus he failed to properly groom a successor. Also, like any Peronist, his style of governance was to pit groups and personalities against each other. Constant divide and rule tactics are not conducive to a controlled succession. Also, Francis was just personally disagreeable to quite a few cardinals and they saw no need to extend loyalty to him beyond his demise.
What an excellent read on how things transpired. Great response, DM.
Well said indeed.
I think you hit it on the head about the loyalties. Fallen human nature generally makes loyalty conditional to a large degree, and for many, it was entirely contingent on Francis’ ability to breath. Take that away, and so goes the loyalty. I sense we’ll hear more to that effect in the upcoming weeks and months.
I did not think a Pope Francis ally would be elected. I suspect that PF angered so many people even those who would agree with him were put off.
The Asian, African and American cardinals seemed to be certain another PF would not get the job
We will see how he governs, especially with respect to the Francis-continuity wing.
It is large and has heft.
Way to early to be declaring any kind of victory.
Nothing to add to this excellent “read” of the situation. However, with Card. Tagle, I can’t resist paraphrasing the late, great Fr. Fortescue: apart from any gambling scandal, he was a “grinning, chattering, ring-tailed monkey” (the original goes on–I’ll spare you all).
Wait and see.
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I’d be pleased to have a pope who attended meticulously to his distinct functions and quit wasting time and revenues on splashy nonsense.
Selling like….like hot cakes.
Come on Man…Even Cornpop has one.
Philip, I don’t think image is correct. It should have bright blue hair and a Stang.
JFK…
oops…your right
Somebody wised up and took the stang out…hence the cross
Agree excellent analysis. I think PF was not that politically savvy. If there were term elections for Pontiffs, he would have been voted out. He rested, in large part, on the fact he was in that chair till the end. Hence, no kowtowing was required on his behalf to anyone beneath him.
Pope Leo XIV mentioned that he had met Bishop Bergolio on several occasions prior to him (Bergolio) being elected to the papacy, and he said not all those meetings were agreeable. We do have a discerning pope, not a cheer leader.
YouTube now has some of P. Leo XIV’s initial sermons/addresses. The ones I have listened to are very impressive; also evidences serious and profound intellect.
See: “Pope Leo XIV Sermon: The Church Needs Courageous Catholics..”. @ YouTube
Huge contrast with the disjunct, often bizarre speeches of the prior reign.
The name LEO says it all. We should remember Leo XIII’s encounter with the devil, that led him to compose the St. Michael Prayer. The “period of peace” will begin under this pontificate. Trump is trying hard to end the 2 wars going on (Ukraine & Palestine). The big question is when Israel will convert to Christianity…St Paul prophesied this.