The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church are set to convene on May 7 to begin the conclave that will select the next pope. As they prepare for their deliberations, which could extend over days or weeks, discussions on social media indicate a strong preference among some online Catholic communities for Cardinal Robert Sarah as a potential frontrunner.
This interest in Sarah, a 79-year-old cardinal from Guinea, has gained traction alongside favorable coverage from conservative media like Fox News and the Telegraph. In the absence of reliable polling data, Sarah has emerged as a somewhat symbolic “people’s choice,” reflecting a desire for stability and clarity following the complex tenure of Pope Francis.
Supporters believe Sarah embodies the traditional faith values that many Catholics are yearning for today. However, despite being considered one of the papabile — candidates likely to be considered for the papacy — he currently falls short in market predictions compared to other favored candidates.
Critics of Sarah’s potential candidacy point to the long-standing absence of an Italian pope since 1978, but they overlook that there hasn’t been an African pope since 492. Sarah’s fluency in multiple languages, including Italian, further bolsters his qualifications.
While some accuse him of being overly conservative, they fail to recognize that his views align with established Church teachings. Media portrayals of comments on topics like “gender ideology” suggest a stark contrast with recent papal styles; resetting the tone of the papacy could provide much-needed contemplation after Pope Francis’s more spontaneous rhetoric.
Concerns regarding Sarah’s age, while valid, may not reflect the whole picture. At 79, he remains just young enough to participate in the conclave, and his history of good health suggests he could manage the demands of the role effectively. The impact of a papacy cannot solely be evaluated by its length, as demonstrated by Pope John XXIII, who, despite a short tenure, left a significant mark on the Church.
Looking ahead, the next pope could be a younger leader, such as Pierbattista Pizzaballa or Luis Antonio Tagle. However, in preparing for the conclave, the cardinals will likely engage in deep reflection and prayer, suggesting that a candidate with experience and a steady hand might ultimately be favored to lead the Church into its next chapter.