Media Conclave: "Neither Right, Nor Left," Asserts Cardinal Filoni

"Neither Right, Nor Left!" This headline given by La Stampa on April 30, 2019, to the interview given by the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher will undoubtedly raise a smile among some French readers, who will recognize in it a slogan often repeated in French political life.

But this is about ecclesiastical life, since Cardinal Filoni hopes to overcome the "divisions" that, according to him, run through the Sacred College. It is interesting to note, in passing, that such a seasoned diplomat as the former nuncio so readily evokes the polarization existing among the electors of the next Roman Pontiff.

"I am not afraid of tensions or score-settling in the conclave. I believe, in fact, that different points of view and confrontation help us mature. We must not think of a Church without problems; they have always been there. … The Church grows by facing challenges," explains Msgr. Filoni with a certain lucidity.

And, in carefully chosen words, the porporato evokes the need for a change of direction at the head of the Church: "As happened before Francis's election, many burning issues emerged that were then taken up again. Bergoglio did not invent a new way of being pope. With his style, gestures, and mannerisms, he gave collegial form to already shared ideas."

"Even now, we are going to open eyes to many riches and many problems to be solved." This is also a way of putting the legacy of the previous pontificate into perspective—something that would have been unspeakable upon the death of Pope John Paul II twenty years ago—even if it makes some residents of St. Martha’s House gnash their teeth.

Moreover, Cardinal Filoni insists: "Pope Francis has tried in every way to contribute to the building of reconciliation; now we must add more." For the problem of the "archipelization" [fragmentation] of the Church is at the heart of the high Italian prelate's intervention, even if the word is not used.

"The new pontiff will have to strengthen the unity of the Church," he emphasizes, which makes the implicit recognition of a weakened unity. An observation that, today, one would have to be blind to deny. Moreover, the official report of the General Congregation of April 30th mentioned "polarization in the Church" as one of the themes addressed.

In contrast, in terms of resources, ambition is not really there. Perhaps trapped too much in his "centrist" guise within the College of Cardinals, Msgr. Filoni describes the Church's priorities: "Intensify ecumenical relations and interreligious dialogue." Using a well-known methodology.

"The Church has walked a path of synodality, collegiality, and the promotion of episcopal conferences. I believe this path must be consolidated. The new pope is called to walk among his people, but keeping in mind the realities of those who are ahead, those who are behind, and those on the right and the left." 

It's impossible not to think here of Jean Guitton, who once reported this humorous remark from Pope Paul VI, justifying his way of governing the Church: "To steer a boat, you have two oars; so, to steer the boat well, one stroke to the right, a little later, one stroke to the left."