Papabile Cardinals and Their Liturgical Connections

As the Conclave begins on May 7th, let’s explore some of the leading papal contenders and their ties to liturgy.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, is actively engaged in the liturgical life of one of Christianity’s most sacred and symbolically rich regions. His responsibilities include leading significant pilgrimages and Holy Week celebrations in the Holy Land, and promoting interfaith liturgical dialogue. As a Franciscan, Pizzaballa embodies a spirit of simplicity and communal worship, inspired by the spirituality of St. Francis.

Cardinal Robert Sarah is Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and is a strong advocate for “traditional” Catholic worship, including the Latin Mass. He also co-authored the widely discussed book From the Depth of our Hearts: Priesthood, Celibacy and the Crisis of the Catholic Church with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI that defends priestly celibacy. His contributions to liturgy and theology are extensive and deeply rooted in tradition, but raise questions for inculturation in the post-Conciliar Church.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, the Archbishop Emeritus of Vienna, served as secretary of the commission of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to edit the new Catechism of the Catholic Church. Schönborn frequently preaches and writes on pastoral theology and the priesthood. Although he has never presided over a liturgical office in the Vatican, his understanding of ecclesiology and theology is closely connected to the Church’s liturgical life.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna, combines a deep pastoral sensitivity with a strong engagement in liturgical practices. His connection with the Community of Sant’Egidio, a movement recognized for its focus on prayer, peacebuilding, and liturgical life, has influenced his vision of the Church as inclusive and merciful. In his public Masses and pastoral letters, he often echoes Pope Francis’s portrayal of the Church as a “field hospital” for the wounded.

Not all papal contenders come with prominent liturgical “credentials.” Some are better known for diplomacy, administration, or evangelization which offers a different lens through which to view the future of the Church’s liturgical life.

Cardinal Péter Erdő, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, brings a distinct type of intellectual rigor that is rooted in Church law rather than liturgy or pastoral theology. He is not particularly known for his homilies or for engaging deeply with the Church’s liturgical evolution. Erdő’s leadership style is more juridical and doctrinal, reflecting a traditionalist outlook, especially on issues such as family structure and sacramental discipline. His extensive and methodical scholarship has resulted in the publication of over 250 articles and 25 books, primarily focused on Canon Law and its medieval history. In addition, he has authored several works with cultural and spiritual themes.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the Archbishop of Munich and Freising, is known for his social theology and leadership within the global Church. As a key member of Pope Francis’s Council of Cardinals, Marx regularly delivers sermons and theological reflections on topics such as synodality and Church reform. Although he is not a liturgist in the strictest sense, he has significantly contributed to the Church’s liturgical life through his public ministry and advocacy for a more inclusive Church.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, is referred to as the most seasoned diplomat among his peers. Often deemed as a “Vatican insider,” Parolin is better known for his behind-the-scenes negotiation skills and management of Church-state relations than for any contributions to liturgy or theology. His role is crucial to the functioning of the Curia, but he has had little direct involvement in shaping liturgical practices or pastoral theology. Public sermons or theological reflections from him are rare, and his leadership would likely continue Pope Francis’s emphasis on diplomatic outreach as he opposes the traditional liturgy, seeing it as contrary to a “new paradigm” for the Church, one that is decentralized, more global, and synodal.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, is widely regarded as a warm and charismatic figure with a strong pastoral presence, especially in Asia. Although he is not formally trained as a liturgist, Tagle is a gifted homilist and communicator. His sermons are popular among the Filipino diaspora and beyond, often combining deep empathy with accessible theological messages. He emphasizes catechesis, evangelization, and the importance of media in modern faith formation. His pastoral instincts and public ministry resonate with many Catholics who are seeking a more human and emotionally connected Church. See Cardinal Tagle’s homily at the Closing Mass of the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress here.

While these latter cardinals may not be liturgical figures in the traditional sense, their influence on Church governance, doctrine, and public witness would still have ripple effects on how Catholic liturgy is lived and celebrated across the globe.

As the Conclave draws near, a vast array of figures emerge, each bringing their own unique vision for the Church’s liturgical life. Some embody rich traditions, while others champion a more pastoral approach. The diverse experiences and perspectives of these leaders hold the potential to redefine Catholic worship and leadership, shaping an exhilarating new chapter for the Church!

–Andrenique Rolle, Editorial Assistant at Pray Tell Blog, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary