Cardinal: Next Pope Doesn’t Need to Be Francis 2.0

Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, the Spanish-born Archbishop of Rabat, has voiced a desire for the next Pope to forge his own path, rather than simply replicate the style of Pope Francis. As one of 133 cardinals preparing to elect a successor beginning May 7th, Lopez, aged 72, shared his thoughts with AFP, acknowledging a degree of anticipation mixed with responsibility.

While praising Pope Francis’s impact, Lopez indicated he doesn’t necessarily seek a “Francis mark II.” He emphasized the importance of the next pontiff being a strong Christian, attuned to global issues, and, crucially, a faithful “impersonator of Christ.”

Lopez, appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, described a personal “conversion” experienced since arriving in Morocco in 2017. Serving a small Christian minority within a predominantly Muslim nation – Christians comprise less than one percent of Morocco’s 38 million citizens – shifted his focus from serving the Church to serving as the Church, prioritizing outreach to the wider world. He noted a significant decrease in hearing confessions, occurring roughly once every six months, as a symptom of this broadened perspective.

Participating in pre-conclave “general congregations,” Lopez highlighted a willingness to listen to previously unheard voices within the Church, influencing the direction of discussions regarding the future of the 2,000-year-old institution. The cardinals are sequestered at Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican grounds, adhering to strict rules of secrecy – no smartphones, electronic surveillance sweeps, and a ban on external media.

Lopez expressed a calm curiosity about the process, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility while maintaining faith in the Holy Spirit. He hopes the election will be relatively swift, ideally concluding within “two or three days,” noting past conclaves have ranged from two days (for both Francis and Benedict XVI) to a lengthy three years. He is eager to return to Morocco after an extended absence.

Echoing Pope Francis’s emphasis on missionary work, Lopez envisions a Church without geographical limitations, expanding its reach into areas with few Catholic adherents. He believes the next Pope could realistically come from outside traditional Catholic strongholds, suggesting candidates from nations like Myanmar, East Timor, Australia, North America, or even Africa. However, he firmly ruled himself out of consideration, jokingly comparing the prospect to replacing football superstar Lionel Messi.

Lopez’s comments reveal a desire for continuity in the Church’s outward focus while simultaneously advocating for a leader who can bring a fresh perspective and independent vision to the papacy. His experience in Morocco has clearly shaped his understanding of the Church’s role in a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.