Cardinal Sako of Chaldean Catholic Church praises fraternal atmosphere among cardinals ahead of conclave

Cardinal Louis Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church based in Iraq, described the atmosphere among cardinals during pre-conclave meetings as “fraternal and sincere.” He emphasized the importance of finding a successor to Pope Francis who continues the pontiff’s efforts to build a church that is welcoming, listens to all, and fosters unity.

Cardinal Jorge Jiménez Carvajal, retired archbishop of Cartagena, Colombia, noted a “great spirit of communion” despite differing opinions among the cardinals. Cardinal John Ribat of Papua New Guinea echoed this, calling the environment “free, welcoming,” with an openness among participants.

Cardinal Sako expressed a sense of responsibility in selecting a leader who would carry forward Pope Francis’s vision. He affirmed the message of Cardinal Baldassare Reina’s recent homily, which urged the church not to retreat, stating, “For me it is.”

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, retired archbishop of Vienna, also supported the homily’s call to move forward, encouraging others not to be afraid. Salvadoran Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez described the church’s role as a “utopia” where “todos, todos, todos” — everyone — is welcome. He highlighted Pope Francis’s clear priorities, including world peace and brotherhood.

Cardinal Ribat urged the next pope to be “open to all,” while also advocating for a balance that maintains unity and collective journeying. He noted that most of the cardinals speaking at general congregations have been from Europe, with nearly three-quarters of the cardinal electors elevated by Pope Francis.

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