Conclavoscope - Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins

Cardinal Profile and Assessment

Next conclave in:
Thomas Christopher Collins

Thomas Christopher Collins

Conservative (66/100)
Personal Information
  • Country Canada
  • Age 78
  • Birth date 16 January 1947
  • Consistory 18 February 2012
Description

Canadian cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Toronto, known for his conservative positions on issues of moral doctrine and his commitment to defending religious freedom.

Theological Profile
criterion tendency
Moral doctrine Very conservative
Liturgy Conservative
Sociopolitical Moderate-conservative
Relationship with Pope Francis Moderate-conservative
Dialogue Moderate
Communication Moderate
Overall tendency Conservative
Detailed Assessment by Criterion
Moral doctrine
Very conservative

Cardinal Collins has consistently upheld traditional Catholic teachings on moral issues. He publicly opposed the Canadian government's requirement for organizations to affirm support for abortion rights to receive funding, emphasizing the sanctity of life. Additionally, he criticized a Catholic school board for barring the reading of Catechism passages related to same-sex attraction, reinforcing his commitment to orthodox doctrine.

Sources:
Liturgy and tradition
Conservative

Cardinal Collins places significant emphasis on traditional liturgical practices. His pastoral letters, such as 'The Eucharist,' delve deeply into the traditional understanding of the sacrament, highlighting its sacrificial and communal aspects. His liturgical approach reflects a deep reverence for established rites and teachings.

Sources:
Sociopolitical engagement
Moderate-conservative

While Cardinal Collins has shown concern for social issues, his approach is rooted in traditional Catholic values. He has advocated for palliative care over euthanasia, emphasizing the dignity of life. His public statements often reflect a cautious engagement with sociopolitical matters, prioritizing doctrinal consistency.

Sources:
Relationship with Pope Francis
Moderate-conservative

Cardinal Collins has maintained a respectful relationship with Pope Francis. While he has not been at the forefront of promoting the Pope's reforms, he has participated in synods and upheld the Pope's directives, reflecting a moderate alignment with the current papacy.

Sources:
Interreligious dialogue and peripheries
Moderate

Under Cardinal Collins' leadership, the Archdiocese of Toronto has fostered interreligious dialogue through dedicated offices and initiatives. His support for these programs indicates a commitment to engaging with diverse religious communities, aligning with broader Church efforts towards ecumenism.

Sources:
Communication and pastoral style
Moderate

Cardinal Collins is known for his thoughtful and measured communication style. His pastoral letters and public addresses often focus on deep theological reflections, aiming to educate and inspire the faithful. While not overtly media-centric, his communication reflects a pastoral sensitivity.

Sources:

Similar Cardinals

Other cardinals from Canada
43/100
Frank Leo
Frank Leo

Canadian cardinal, Archbishop of Toronto, relatively new to the episcopate, known for his doctrinal fidelity and pragmatic pastoral approach.

43/100
Gérald Cyprien Lacroix
Gérald Cyprien Lacroix

Canadian cardinal, Archbishop of Quebec, known for his balanced approach between fidelity to tradition and social engagement, in a context of secularization.

21/100
Michael Czerny
Michael Czerny

Canadian cardinal, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Jesuit, known for his commitment to migrants and refugees and his progressive social vision.

Other cardinals from the same consistory
78/100
Willem Jacobus Eijk
Willem Jacobus Eijk

Netherlands

Papabile

Dutch cardinal, Archbishop of Utrecht, physician and bioethicist, known for his very conservative positions on bioethical and moral issues, and his defense of traditional doctrine.

68/100
Rainer Maria Woelki
Rainer Maria Woelki

Germany

German cardinal, Archbishop of Cologne, known for his conservative positions and controversial leadership, particularly in handling sexual abuse and his opposition to certain reforms.

64/100
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan

United States

American cardinal, Archbishop of New York, known for his media charisma and balanced leadership, combining social commitment and defense of Catholic tradition and moral values.

Cardinals of similar age
56/100
Giuseppe Betori
Giuseppe Betori

Italy

age: 78

Italian cardinal, Archbishop of Florence, known for his conservative doctrinal positions and intellectual work, while remaining engaged in pastoral dialogue.

44/100
Emil Paul Tscherrig
Emil Paul Tscherrig

Switzerland

age: 78

Swiss cardinal, apostolic nuncio, known for his diplomatic work and balanced approach between tradition and moderate openness.

37/100
Francesco Montenegro
Francesco Montenegro

Italy

age: 78

Italian cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Agrigento, known for his commitment to migrants and his open pastoral approach while remaining faithful to tradition.

Cardinals similar by criterion

Conservative
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don

Sri Lanka

Moral doctrine: 9/10
Papabile

Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic doctrine.

Conservative
Stanisław Ryłko
Stanisław Ryłko

Poland

Moral doctrine: 9/10

Polish cardinal, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, known for his conservative positions and experience in lay ministry, in the tradition of John Paul II.

Conservative
Rainer Maria Woelki
Rainer Maria Woelki

Germany

Moral doctrine: 9/10

German cardinal, Archbishop of Cologne, known for his conservative positions and controversial leadership, particularly in handling sexual abuse and his opposition to certain reforms.

Conservative
Stanisław Ryłko
Stanisław Ryłko

Poland

Liturgy: 8/10

Polish cardinal, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, known for his conservative positions and experience in lay ministry, in the tradition of John Paul II.

Conservative
Rainer Maria Woelki
Rainer Maria Woelki

Germany

Liturgy: 8/10

German cardinal, Archbishop of Cologne, known for his conservative positions and controversial leadership, particularly in handling sexual abuse and his opposition to certain reforms.

Moderate-conservative
Dominique Mamberti
Dominique Mamberti

France

Liturgy: 8/10

French cardinal, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, known for his legal expertise and traditional doctrinal positions.

Moderate-conservative
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan

United States

Sociopolitical: 6/10

American cardinal, Archbishop of New York, known for his media charisma and balanced leadership, combining social commitment and defense of Catholic tradition and moral values.

Conservative
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don
Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don

Sri Lanka

Sociopolitical: 7/10
Papabile

Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic doctrine.

Conservative
Willem Jacobus Eijk
Willem Jacobus Eijk

Netherlands

Sociopolitical: 7/10
Papabile

Dutch cardinal, Archbishop of Utrecht, physician and bioethicist, known for his very conservative positions on bioethical and moral issues, and his defense of traditional doctrine.

Moderate-conservative
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan

United States

Relationship with Pope Francis: 6/10

American cardinal, Archbishop of New York, known for his media charisma and balanced leadership, combining social commitment and defense of Catholic tradition and moral values.

Moderate-conservative
James Michael Harvey
James Michael Harvey

United States

Relationship with Pope Francis: 6/10

American cardinal, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, former Prefect of the Papal Household, known for his conservative positions and administrative experience at the Vatican.

Moderate-conservative
Vincent Nichols
Vincent Nichols

United Kingdom

Relationship with Pope Francis: 6/10

British cardinal, Archbishop of Westminster, known for his conservative positions on moral issues, while being committed to defending migrants and fighting human trafficking.

Conservative
Willem Jacobus Eijk
Willem Jacobus Eijk

Netherlands

Dialogue: 5/10
Papabile

Dutch cardinal, Archbishop of Utrecht, physician and bioethicist, known for his very conservative positions on bioethical and moral issues, and his defense of traditional doctrine.

Moderate-conservative
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan

United States

Dialogue: 5/10

American cardinal, Archbishop of New York, known for his media charisma and balanced leadership, combining social commitment and defense of Catholic tradition and moral values.

Moderate-conservative
James Michael Harvey
James Michael Harvey

United States

Dialogue: 5/10

American cardinal, Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, former Prefect of the Papal Household, known for his conservative positions and administrative experience at the Vatican.

Moderate-conservative
Timothy Dolan
Timothy Dolan

United States

Communication: 5/10

American cardinal, Archbishop of New York, known for his media charisma and balanced leadership, combining social commitment and defense of Catholic tradition and moral values.

Moderate-conservative
Vincent Nichols
Vincent Nichols

United Kingdom

Communication: 5/10

British cardinal, Archbishop of Westminster, known for his conservative positions on moral issues, while being committed to defending migrants and fighting human trafficking.

Moderate-conservative
Vinko Puljić
Vinko Puljić

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Communication: 5/10

Bosnian cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Sarajevo, known for his leadership during and after the Balkan War, his work for reconciliation and his defense of Catholic rights in the region.