Cardinal Francis Arinze, one of the Catholic Church’s most respected leaders, has expressed his desire for the next pope to be “full of fire for the kingdom of Christ.” The 92-year-old Nigerian cardinal shared his thoughts on the qualities needed in the next leader of the Church, highlighting the importance of a pope who is a true witness of Christ and committed to spreading the Gospel.
Arinze, who has served as a bishop for 60 years and a cardinal for 40, noted that the most significant challenge facing the Church today is convincing people to embrace Christ and live according to his teachings. “Easy to say, difficult to do,” Arinze said, adding that the Church’s core mission is to evangelize and share the message of salvation.
As a participant in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, Arinze offered valuable advice to younger cardinals preparing for their first conclave. He urged them to remember that the Church was founded by Christ and that, despite human failures, it will always endure. “Even Judas Iscariot could not pull down the Church,” he said, stressing the importance of humility and responsibility in the role of the clergy.
In his reflection, Arinze spoke about the diversity of papal leadership. He highlighted that no pope is identical to another, citing the different styles of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Arinze expressed admiration for Pope Francis, noting his compassion for the poor, migrants, and society’s marginalized. “Every pope has his style,” he remarked.
Arinze also shared wisdom for younger Catholics, highlighting the providence of God in history and individual lives. He reminded them that God is the ultimate director of history and that faithfulness to His guidance leads to success in His kingdom. “God knows best,” Arinze said, quoting St. Teresa of Calcutta: “May God help us not to spoil his work.”
While Arinze will not be inside the Sistine Chapel during the upcoming conclave, he remains active in the general discussions ahead of the election of the next pope. His insights continue to guide the Church, emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes faith, integrity, and a commitment to Christ’s message.
