News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Cardinal-Cormac-Murphy-O-Connor-main_article_image.jpg
REX/Stephen Simpson
UK News

English Cardinal 'led campaign' to elect Pope Francis

A biography of the Pontiff will say he had a discreet, but highly organised drive to get the then Caridinal Bergoglio elected.

The Great Reformer, by the Catholic commentator Austen Ivereigh, says members of Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor's campaign team toured private dinners and other events to canvass votes.

unimedia images/REX

It's thought the group of clergy felt they had to take action after an initial attempt to elect Francis failed in 2005.

At the conclave that elected Pope Emeritus Benedict it's claimed Caridinal Bergoglio urged others not to vote for him as he didn't feel ready.

But author of the new book Austen Ivereigh told Premier he would have been aware of the campaign in 2013.

He said: "He really is the ideal man at that moment in 2013 and he himself has the humility to recognise that.

"This is actually about the mission, it's about the reform that's needed and he knows that others see him as able to do that, and he accepts that."

It's claimed Cardinal Murphy-O'Connor teamed up with German cardinal Walter Kasper to elect a man who would reform the Church.

Mr Ivereigh said it was not unusual for canvassing to happen in the run up to conclaves: "It takes a group of cardinals to say to other cardinals we know this man, we think he's the man," he said, "In the same way this group of reformist cardinals in 2013 were able to make a very convincing case for Bergoglio, but that doesn't make it a political process."

The Great Reformer is published in the UK on December 4.

Listen to Antony Bushfield's interview with Austen Ivereigh:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate