As the Catholic Church prepares for the next papacy, Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini, who previously led the international commission that investigated the authenticity of Medjugorje, has shared his thoughts on what he hopes to see in the future leadership of the Church.
At the age of 94, Ruini is too old to vote in the upcoming conclave, but his reflections on the future of the Church carry significant weight.
Published in an article titled “Prayer for the Church of the Near Future” on the blog Settimo Cielo, written by veteran Vatican expert Sandro Magister, the cardinal outlined four key aspects that he believes should define the next pontificate.
Four Criteria for the Next Pope’s Election
Ruini, known for his close collaboration with St. John Paul II, expressed his deep wishes for the future of the Church.
While reflecting on the qualities he hopes the next pope will possess, he emphasized the importance of a Church that remains grounded in strong doctrinal values while fostering unity, charity, and internal peace.
He said, “I trust in a good and charitable Church, doctrinally secure, governed according to law, and deeply united internally.
These are my prayer intentions, which I would like to see widely shared.”
Ruini’s experience and perspective are shaped by decades of service in various high-profile roles, including his leadership of the Italian Bishops’ Conference from 1991 to 2007 and his role as vicar general of the Diocese of Rome from 1991 to 2008.
He also participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI and served as president of the Medjugorje Commission, a role appointed by Benedict in 2010.
1. A Church Defined by Charity and Love
In his first criterion, Ruini emphasizes the importance of a good and charitable Church.
He notes that the essence of Christian witness and, by extension, the Church itself, is rooted in love.
He points out that people, even today, long for a Church that exemplifies this love in tangible ways.
According to Ruini, “Love made effective in our lives is in fact the supreme law of Christian witness and, therefore, of the Church.
And this is what people, even today, most yearn for.” He further stresses that the Church should eliminate any harshness or pettiness in its governance, promoting a heart that is warm and generous rather than dry or indifferent.
Cardinal Ruini’s Legacy and Influence
Cardinal Ruini’s contributions to the Church are vast. His tenure as the head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, as well as his role in guiding the Vatican’s investigation into the Medjugorje phenomenon, highlights his influence and his commitment to fostering a Church that remains true to its doctrinal roots while adapting to the needs of the faithful.
As the Church looks to the future, Ruini’s vision serves as a powerful reminder of the values that should guide its next chapter.
His call for a charitable, doctrinally secure, and united Church offers a hopeful and clear direction for the future of Catholicism under the next pope.