Where will the next pope emerge from?

Where will the next pope emerge from?
By Euronews
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euronews spoke with Father Mike Rogers, an American Jesuit priest about the possible origins of the next pontiff.

Sergio Cantone, euronews: “Father Rogers, what do you think about this conclave, which by the way is a particularly special one?”

Father Rogers: “I think that it’s a moment of great anticipation and hope for our church because it’s a moment where we can start again – we can do something new. So every conclave is a moment of great hope – and this one in particular. As we can see behind us (in the Vatican), everyone is waiting and hoping.”

euronews: “Do you think this is the time for a pope from another continent – maybe from North America? The North American delegation is quite enthusiastic about this conclave.”

Father Rogers: “They certainly are. I think the men from North America have a lot of qualities a lot of us would hope for in a pope. I don’t think anybody expects that the pope will be from North America.”

euronews: “Apparently, most of the conservatives are based in Europe and are represented by the European tradition of the Catholic Church. What do you think about that?”

Father Rogers: “As somebody who isn’t European, I think one of the things we see are examples of people who could bring great hope to the church. So I don’t think that Europe necessarily should be ruled out as a place where the man who is called to lead us could next be from.”

euronews: “What do you think about the different factions? Do you think that it’s normal? Do you think that it’s just like any other human organisation should be? Or do you think that this isn’t good for the cChurch, because the Church is something special? It’s not a normal and ordinary international organisation – it’s about God and the Holy Spirit.”

Father Rogers: “I think the Holy Spirit can still work through these moments where men might not agree. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because what we’re doing now is a process of discernment inside the chapel. It’s not an election, it’s not a political process, it’s not a democracy. These men are invoking God’s help to pick that person and that they disagree means they have a chance to pray and discern where God’s will is on these important things.”

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