After the death of Pope Francis, on April 21, the name of the African Cardinal Robert Sarah resonates strongly, since he is considered one of the main candidates to be chosen Supreme Pontiff, a fact that would mark a milestone in the history of the Catholic Church, since it would be the first Pope of African origin.
After Francisco’s death, the process known as Vacant headquarterswhich concludes with the appointment of the new pontiff. During this period, speculations about the decision that the cardinals gathered in the conclave will adopt increase.
One of the best positioned candidates is Cardinal Robert Sarah, who, according to various sectors, represents the most conservative vision of Catholicism.
Robert Sarah was born in 1945, in Guinea. Throughout his priestly career he has served the Church in different positions; For example, he was a prefect of the congregation for divine cult and the discipline of the sacraments until 2021. His career has been marked by the fight against African dictatorships, as well as by the defense of doctrine and ecclesiastical discipline.
International media indicate that Sarah has pointed out, on different occasions, that the loss of worship of God is the root of the crises that afflict the world and the Church. He is the author of several books in which he denounces what he calls the “cultural colonization” of the West and expresses his concern about the social problems that affect the countries of the Global South.
Despite his advanced age – he has 79 years – is among the favorites to happen to Pope Francis. If chosen, it would become the first African pontiff of modern history. However, his age could play against him, because the limit to be a cardinal voter is 80 years.
In recent years, various controversies have surrounded Robert Sarah. One of the most commented occurred when he spoke against a statement approved by Pope Francis that allowed blessings to homosexual couples. He has also been critical of what he calls the “new unisex culture”, which, in his opinion, aims to replace the family.
Robert Sarah was also one of Pope Francis’s main critics. He published a book in defense of priestly celibacy, which was initially announced as co -written with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. This fact was interpreted by some as an interference in Francisco’s decision -making process regarding the ordination of married men, a proposal discussed in the Synod on the Amazon, held in October 2019. Before the controversy generated, Sarah withdrew the name of Benedict XVI of the volume.