Next pope will likely be more toned down than Pope Francis – Father Russell Pollitt, Holy Trinity Church (Braamfontein)

702’s John Perlman speaks with Father Russell Pollitt, the Parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein.

Listen below:

Black smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday evening showed the conclave of catholic cardinals had failed to elect a new pope.

The group of 113 will remain locked down, leaving only to sleep nearby, with no contact with the outside world until a decision is reached.

Choosing a new pope will be no easy task as the cardinals must navigate complex geopolitical issues and divided views within the church when appointing a new leader.

In the lead up to the conclave, the cardinals had been meeting every day for a week to discuss the role of the church and the type of leader it needs.

Pollitt says the cardinals were able to make presentations of what they think should happen at these gatherings.

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Once they enter the conclave, no more presentations can be made.

“It is really done in a very silent way now.”

- Father Russell Pollitt, Parish priest - Holy Trinity Church (Braamfontein)

Pollitt says Pope Francis was far more progressive than his predecessor, and feels the next Pope may be slightly more orthodox.

“I suspect we are going to see a bit of a change. Pope Francis was tumultuous in many ways. I suspect that even if it is someone who is going to continue in the path that Francis started, it is probably going to be a bit more toned down.”

- Father Russell Pollitt, Parish priest - Holy Trinity Church (Braamfontein)

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