Cardinal Schönborn from Vienna, himself a candidate for decades and recently retired, formulates requirements for the next pope. And reveals how he personally experienced the late Francis.
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn from Vienna does not believe that anyone is suitable for the papacy for 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. It would be too much of a challenge for anyone, Schönborn (80), himself a candidate for Pope for decades and recently retired, told ORF on the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. In addition to a deep faith, the future Pope must undoubtedly have the gift of uniting the worldwide Catholic Church in the face of incredible diversity. He would also have to look beyond the boundaries of his own church.
With regard to Francis, Schönborn said: “This man has achieved so much – now, at the age of 88, he can step down. He has opened up great paths for us.” And the cardinal also rejoiced with his boss: “He was allowed to die at Easter. Please – what is more beautiful for a Christian? We believe in the resurrection.” He was sad because “we miss Francis; I am happy because he has returned home”.
In the back of the small Fiat
Schönborn also recounted a personal anecdote in the interview: “I meet him in the corridor in the Santa Marta guest house and he asks: ‘Where are you going? – ‘To the meeting of the Synodal Council’.” The Pope then took him down to the garage – “and we got into the little Fiat. He sits in the front next to the driver; I sit in the back, and off we go.”
To the surprise of the Swiss Guards, the car then drove out of the Vatican, according to Schönborn – because the meeting was taking place outside the Vatican. “And I thought to myself,” said the cardinal from abroad, “maybe he’s going to this meeting too”. But no – “he takes me there; and when we arrive, he says he enjoyed leaving the Vatican for a bit”. He said goodbye to him, Schönborn, and then drove back again. “That was Francis as he lives and breathes.”
