The death of Pope Francis motivated the pronouncement of millions of people around the world, including faithful, leaders and authorities of the Catholic Church itself. Almost two weeks after its departure, the Peruvian Episcopal Conference has published a newsletter that brings together the messages and tributes that were made throughout the country.
“Thank you so much, Pope Francis” is the title of the video that remembers his visit to Peru in January 2018. In the midst of a political and environmental crisis, the words of the Holy Father served to give hope to the millions of Catholics who gathered to hear him in various regions he reached. “Slave labor, sexual abuse and violence against adolescents is a clamor that reaches heaven”he said from Puerto Maldonado.
“From this” Earth Ensantada “, as Pope Francis called in 2018, We ask our Lord to strengthen the discernment and unity of the cardinals to choose the new shepherd of the Churchguided by faith and hope, ”says the pronouncement of the conference a few days after the conclave began that will choose the successor of Francisco I.
Like thousands of Peruvians, Monsignor Carlos García Camader signed the book of condolences that was made available to the Apostolic Nunciature. He recalled that then cardinal Bergoglio was chosen Supreme Pontiff in the historical circumstances required by the Universal Church, the same that “knew how to guide with a firm and affectionate hand.”
Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancayo, Lima, Piura and Trujillo were some of the regions that pronounced on the departure of Pope Francis. All agreed on the importance of their pontificate for the Catholic Church and asked for their eternal rest.
The bulletin also includes the tributes that were made from the Holy See. This begins with the historic March night 2013 when Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Francisco I and asked the faithful to pray for him. “The poor are beautiful in the eyes of God because they do not speak the tongue of the self; they do not hold alone, with the forces themselves, they need someone to bring them hand in hand. They remind us that the gospel is lived like this,”said the high pontiff on the world day of the poor.
In the publication an image of the Peruvian cardinals Pedro Barreto and Carlos Castillo is appreciated next to the body of Pope Francis. In the snapshot does not appear the cardinal Juan Luis Ciprianiindicated by alleged sexual abuse against a minor. This and Barreto will not be able to participate in the conclave for being more than 80 years so the only Peruvian who will cast a vote will be the archbishop of Lima Carlos Castillo.
Peruvian cardinal Carlos Castillo is emerging as a highlight in the next conclave to choose the successor of Pope Francis, recently deceased. Castillo, who was appointed Cardinal by Francisco at the end of 2024, will participate in the process with another 134 cardinals under 80 yearsthe only ones with the right to vote in this election.
Despite his recent promotion to cardinal, Castillo is not a stranger in the Catholic Church. His career includes a solid theological formation, a pastoral posture near the poor and an affinity with Francisco’s reformist vision. These qualities make him a valued candidate, although his election is not guaranteed. Dr. Veronique Lecaros, theologian of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, points out that meetings prior to conclave will be decisive to evaluate their possibilities.
However, there are factors that could limit their options. Ecclesiastical geopolitics could hinder the choice of another Latin American Pope immediately after Francisco, of Argentine origin. In addition, discredit campaigns, common in these processes, could affect candidates with progressive positions such as Castillo.
