The shepherd chosen: Retired Cardinal Rosales on Pope Leo XIV and the trials ahead
"Habemus papam" the world is introduced to our newest pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost born in USA, who has chosen his papal name to be Pope Leo XIV.
Deep into the hours of the second day of the Conclave, the world witnessed the white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signifying that a cardinal was voted to be pope by 2/3 of votes from the 133 cardinal-electorate.
The 2025 conclave in the eyes of a retired cardinal
What happened inside the Conclave in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing will remain under the veil of secrecy, as cardinals are bound by their vow of silence. Whether the balloting was swift or drawn-out, whether there were surprises or a clear frontrunner, the process will remain hidden from the world. What we do know is this: the moment the white smoke rose, a life was changed forever, and the Church found its new shepherd.
To paint us a clearer picture of conclaves in general and the events prior, we were lucky enough to interview Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales for his experience and thoughts on the new papacy as well as the previous one (Click on part 1 of our special Papal Conclave interview by clicking on the link below).
Asked about Pope Francis, Cardinal Rosales -- along with billions of Catholics -- is deeply grateful for our Lolo Kiko who embodied the most important traits of our Christianity. “Magaling, makatao, salamat sa Diyos na may Pope Francis tayong nakilala.” (Wise, humanitarian, thank God that we met Pope Francis during our time.)
Cardinal Rosales also said, according to the Catholic church’s traditions, all cardinals in Vatican City --- both those who are able and unable to elect --- will discuss in-length and shed at least some light on where the conclave should be heading towards.
The pre-conclave discussion would provide cardinals with at least an idea of where their votes will fall, but this is unimportant, he adds.
“Hindi na mahalaga kung saang bansa man galing ang bagong Santo Papa, ang importante’y magtiwala sa Panginoon at sa kanyang pipiliin.” (The country he came from is not what’s important, it is our faith in the Lord and in the one He has chosen that matters.)
Although the third oldest cardinal in Asia, and his weariness evident, Cardinal Rosales is still beaming with hope and even has a message for the new pope:
“Sumunod sa kagustuhan ng Diyos, magpakabanal, magpakumbaba, mamuno nang tama at gawin ang mga gustong ipagawa sa atin ng Poong Maykapal.” (Follow His will, walk in holiness, humility, lead righteously, and act according to the mission given to us by God.)
He also prayed that our new pope will be able to emulate the traits of Pope Francis; “pagmamahal sa mga dukha, pagtatatanggol sa mga naaapi, at kasimplehan sa buhay” and the most important of all, “may malaking pagmamahal sa Diyos.” (With love for the poor, salvation for victims, and a reverent lifestyle.)
The mysterious conclave
The 2024 movie Conclave offered us a glimpse of the step-by-step process of the Roman Catholic apostolic succession. The drama, politics, and a deeper inspection of our Cardinals unfolded right before our very eyes. Indeed, it was a very bold move to depict church leaders in such a way that cast a different light on Church-related issues.
Although the plot heavily focused on the unraveling of the papal candidates’ skeletons in their closets, we were also presented with the weight of a papal ascension. As Cardinal Benitez was elected by the College of Cardinals, he was ushered into a small room – The Room of Tears.
It is in this aptly named chamber—the Room of Tears—that every newly elected pope first dons the papal regalia and assumes his pontifical name, even as the immense weight of the Catholic Church’s heaviest cross begins to settle upon his shoulders. As emphasized by Cardinal Rosales in our interview, the Room of Tears not only captures the emotions of the new pope but also paints what we can only imagine as an overwhelming new responsibility. (Click on part 2 of our special Papal Conclave interview by clicking on the link below).
The Vicar of Christ not only calls for the leadership of the flock, but to sacrifice the entirety of his being: his family, his country, and his person. Because the pope belongs to the world, through every language barrier, between cultural differences, and in every community.
As the Church grows, so do its challenges. The expectations of being progressive in almost every institution have never been as demanded as today. Divisions within the clergy through conservatism in the catechism may remain present but it’s always developing. All this while the ever-evolving geopolitical sphere and the current world view strain the balance between spirituality and self-preservation.
Yes, the road ahead is difficult for the new pope, but he is not without guidance from his predecessors. Shaped by the legacies of popes who came before – one of them a legitimately canonized saint – the path will not only be grueling, but filled also with foundations laid by holy men, ensuring the virtuous and fruitful future the church was built for.
A look back on previous popes
- Pope St. John Paul II (Born Karol Wojtyla, Polish, Papacy: 1978-2005)
- Apart from being canonized as a saint, Pope St. John Paul II broke barriers through his promotion of interfaith dialogue as well as his sweeping travels across the globe. A towering figure of both the 20th and 21st century, he is known to have played a major role in ending the cold war and placing emphasis on human dignity and social justice.
- Pope Benedict XVI (Born Joseph Ratzinger, German, Papacy: 2005-2013)
- Known for his intellect and theological brilliance, his papacy led the Catholic Church to faith through reason. He shocked the world with his resignation, dubbed as a gesture of his humility and realism.
- Pope Francis (Born Jorge Bergoglio, Argentine, Papacy: 2013-2025)
- The “People’s Pope” surprised the world with his simplicity and inclusivity. His first papal appearance consisted of a missing papal regalia, and a black shoe, contrary to the traditional red papal shoe. Known for his stance of the church being universal, he has fostered countless interfaith dialogues and championed powerful calls for ecological and social conversions through his second encyclical, laudato si or ‘praise be to you.’
Hard acts to follow, for simple men yes, but for the successor of Peter, such is only the will of the Lord.
In a world divided by war, politics, hunger, and poverty, we need a spiritual leader as intellectual as Benedict, as bold as John Paul, and as humble as Francis.
As Pope Leo XIV carves his papacy through encyclicals and ministry, we as the flock can only pray for the new pope that he may be guided by the Holy Spirit. Pray that he may continue to lead the church towards inclusiveness, social responsibility, and piety.
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