After the white smoke pours out of the Sistine Chapel
chimney at the end of the next Conclave, if he is not chosen as Pope by
the cardinals, he will announce the name of Peter and Benedict XVI's
successor.
The French cardinal, Jean-Louis Tauran, was appointed
Proto-Deacon two years ago by Benedict XVI. He will therefore be in
charge of pronouncing the famous Latin phrase “Annuntio vobis gaudium
magnum : Habemus Papam…” from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica
in the Vatican.
The cardinal from Bordeaux confessed that Ratzinger's
announcement was “a complete shock because no one had been informed
about it” and especially because it was pronounced “in such an
unsuaually calm and serene voice.”
The cardinal also discussed the reasons behind Benedict
XVI's explosive decision, his elderly age (86) and the immensity of the
Pope's job in today's world.
According to Tauran, Ratzinger, who is a “reserved
man” had to make a huge mental effort when he came into contact with
large crowds of people. But his choice has demonstrated a truly special
inner strength: “Going from occupying the Throne of Peter to living a
life similar to that of a Carthusian monk implies having an intense
inner life and a great ability to detach oneself.”
The President of the Pontifical Council for
Interreligious Dialogue reveals that the messages he has received from
the Muslim world have been ones of admiration for the courage and
modernity shown by Benedict XVI.
When asked about what attributes he thought the future
Pope should have, Cardinal Tauran's response was: “Above all I think he
should continue Benedict XVI's work: teaching the Catholic faith,”
because “Christians in today's world need to be able to explain the
reasons for their faith, by possessing a knowledge of the content of the
faith so that it is not mere impressions they pass on.”
Cardinal Tauran went on to explain that the Church will
“also need a Pope who is open to dialogue with cultures and religions,
who can reform the Curia to ensure improved coordination in the life and
decisions of the universal Church.” Joseph Ratzinger wanted this reform
before he rose to the Throne of Peter, the French cardinal recalled.
“The Curia is “a huge machine” and reforming it is a long and arduous
task, which is partly why “a younger Pope may be better suited to the
role.”
What would the ideal age of the next Pope be? “Let's say
65, maybe even 70 if he is in good physical form,” the French cardinal
replied before going on to express the hope that the new Pope would be
able to “bring hope, because we live in a disillusioned world” and
“clear ideas on the contents of the faith.”
Tauran was also asked whether he is currently preparing
to announce the name of the new Pope. “I am not preparing for the
Habemus Papam announcement, I am preparing for the Conclave by reading
three texts: the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the Conciliar Constitution Gaudium et Spes and a book by Henri de Lubac, Méditation sur l’Eglise, which is a magnificent representation of the Church by one of the great fathers of the Catholic Church in the modern age.