Bishop Robert Barron, renowned author, speaker, and theologian, discussed papal front-runners with EWTN on May 6.
Among the most discussed contenders to be the next pope is Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State of the Vatican.
“I think he’d be a steady hand. He’s the ultimate Vatican insider,” said Barron, who serves as bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota.
While he lauded Parolin’s years of experience as a diplomat and his broad network inside the Vatican, Barron said that one reservation he had about his candidacy was Parolin’s actions towards China, saying that he has made too many concessions to the Chinese Communist Party.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who has earned the nickname “the Asian Pope Francis,” is also seen as highly papabile.
“He’s a very charming man,” said Barron, saying that he knows him well.
“He would have the charisma is great supply. But a very emotional man, too,” Barron said, noting that Tagle would sometimes weep after delivering an impassioned speech.
Barron said that Tagle would likely be a more left-leaning pope, and his papacy would likely be a continuation of Francis’.
With several cardinals from Africa being floated as top contenders and Catholicism surging in several nations in the continent, Barron said this might be the “African moment.”
Among the most cited cardinals from Africa is Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Barron said that, while Sarah is on the older side, he is someone that he admires greatly.”
He’s a very spiritually alert man, a great writer, and someone that understands the essential elements of the Church’s life,” said Barron.
Regardless of who the conclave decide on, Barron said, “What comes first when it comes to the pope is the declaration of Jesus risen from the dead.”
Fox News’ Christian Mysliwiec contributed to this report.
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