Cardinal Müller Calls for Unwavering Leadership in Church’s Future Pope

Cardinal Gerhard Müller, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has issued a call to action for the election of a pope who will stand firm against ideological pressures, including what he describes as the “gay lobby”. As the Church prepares for a new conclave following the death of Pope Francis at 88, Müller emphasized the need for a pontiff who is “steadfast in the faith, authoritative, firm, respectful, strong in doctrine, and independent of pressure”. Speaking to Italian newspaper La Stampa, the 77-year-old German cardinal stressed that the next pope must prioritize doctrine founded on Scripture and apostolic tradition.

Müller, a student of the late Pope Benedict XVI, expressed concern about a growing trend toward compromise within Church leadership, warning that “ideology must not take over the Conclave”. He emphasized that the strength of the Church lies in truth, not in compromises, and called for a return to theological orthodoxy. Müller rejected the label of being a critic of Pope Francis, stating that he has only sought to clarify issues that concern the faithful. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the Church’s doctrine, particularly on issues such as marriage and sexuality.

As the conclave approaches, Müller will join other cardinals in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope. The election is expected to be closely watched, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, often referred to as Francis’ “second in command”, being widely reported as a frontrunner. According to Catholic commentator Joe Ronan, this conclave features a slightly younger group of cardinals than in previous years, with 15 under the age of 60 and an average age of about 70. The outcome of the conclave will have significant implications for the future direction of the Church.