While his name is widely bandied about as a potential successor to Pope Francis, Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec shows little interest in the rumors surrounding his candidacy as the next sovereign pope.
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In an interview on 98.5 FM in Montreal on Thursday, Mgr. Lacroix said he “isn't striving for it.”[er]» about such functions.
However, he claims, “[répondre] to the calls of the Church, to the calls of the Lord [lui] made by the authorities of the church.
The successor to Pope Francis is increasingly at the center of discussions, particularly due to his age, having just turned 87.
On Wednesday, Radio-Canada mentioned the interest in the candidacy of the cardinal from Quebec and the next day, La Presse also mentioned these rumors about Gérald Cyprien Lacroix.
Other factors point to a change at the top of the Vatican, according to the author of the book “Who Will Succeed Pope Francis,” Alain Pronkin.
“He has already decided where he wants to be buried,” he notes. He chose the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Majeure because he always goes there to pray.”
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is the place where Pope Francis wants to be buried. IMAGE CREDIT: Photo provided by Alain Pronkin
According to Mr. Pronkin, the basilica, located in a working-class area of Rome, is modeled on the Pope's image.
Another indicator that Francis is preparing his successor: he “simplified the way mass is celebrated at a pope’s funeral,” adds Alain Pronkin.
Another Quebecer in the race
However, the author would be surprised if Mgr. Lacroix were elected by the cardinals. “Unfortunately, at 66, he’s too young,” says Mr. Pronkin with a touch of irony. The elected popes all belong to the 72 to 75 year old group.”
Alain Pronkin believes that another Quebecer – this time through adoption – is “one step ahead” of Monsignor Lacroix: Cardinal Michael Czerny, of Czech origin but who grew up and studied in Montreal.
Mr. Pronkin expects a “recentralization” in Rome following more liberal positions from Pope Francis and also expects a “surprise election” or the election of a consensual figure such as the Vatican's Secretary of State, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
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