Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic doctrine.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Very conservative |
| Liturgy | Very conservative |
| Sociopolitical | Conservative |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Conservative |
| Dialogue | Moderate-conservative |
| Communication | Moderate-conservative |
| Overall tendency | Conservative |
Born on November 15, 1947, in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don is a prominent figure in the Asian Catholic Church. Ordained a priest in 1975, he pursued his studies in Rome, obtaining a license in biblical theology from the Pontifical Urban University. (24 Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures ...)
His ecclesiastical career is marked by an alternation between pastoral responsibilities and functions within the Roman Curia. He notably served as Assistant Secretary to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor. In 2005, he was appointed Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, before being appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009. He was created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. (Revue de presse : De quel continent viendra le prochain Pape ?, How Old Will the Next Pope Be? - National Catholic Register)
As Archbishop of Colombo, he played a central role in the religious and social life of Sri Lanka, notably calling for justice and reconciliation after the Easter 2019 attacks. He is also known for his critical positions towards certain Sri Lankan government policies.
Cardinal Ranjith is considered a conservative, particularly in liturgical and doctrinal matters. He is often associated with Pope Benedict XVI's line of thought. However, he is not perceived as a frontal opponent to Pope Francis's reforms, adopting rather a posture of discretion and fidelity to the institution.
Although he has established relationships within the Curia and among Asian cardinals, his influence seems limited compared to the more extensive networks of some other papabili. His profile could nevertheless appeal to a minority of cardinals wishing for a return to certain traditions.
Cardinal Ranjith maintains a staunchly conservative stance on moral issues. He has vocally opposed same-sex marriage, asserting that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and has warned against legislation promoting homosexuality, abortion, and prostitution. He has also excluded girls from serving as altar servers, citing concerns about priestly vocations.
A prominent advocate for traditional liturgy, Cardinal Ranjith supports the Latin Mass and has criticized post-Vatican II liturgical reforms. He emphasizes the importance of Latin in the liturgy and has called for a 'reform of the reform' to return to the Church's liturgical roots.
Cardinal Ranjith is actively involved in sociopolitical issues, particularly in advocating for justice and accountability following the 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. He has also criticized government corruption and called for international assistance during economic crises.
While Cardinal Ranjith has expressed admiration for Pope Francis' compassion and commitment to the poor, he has also publicly opposed some of the Pope's stances, particularly regarding same-sex relationships, indicating a complex relationship.
Cardinal Ranjith promotes interreligious dialogue in Sri Lanka, emphasizing its importance in a multi-religious society. He has worked to foster harmony among different faith communities, especially following periods of tension.
Cardinal Ranjith is known for his direct and uncompromising communication style. He does not shy away from expressing his views on controversial issues, which has both garnered respect and sparked criticism.
United States
American cardinal, patron of the Order of Malta, known for his very conservative positions on liturgy and doctrine, and his open opposition to certain orientations of Pope Francis' pontificate.
Guinea
Guinean cardinal, former prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, known for his very conservative positions on liturgy and doctrine, and his deep attachment to Catholic tradition.
Poland
Polish cardinal, Archbishop of Warsaw, known for his balanced pastoral approach, combining Polish Catholic tradition with openness to dialogue in an evolving society.
Germany
age: 77
German cardinal, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, known for his very conservative positions and vigorous defense of traditional doctrine.
Argentina
age: 77
Argentine cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Buenos Aires, successor of Pope Francis in this diocese, known for his discreet profile and balanced administration between tradition and renewal.
United States
age: 77
American cardinal, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, known for his administrative experience and fidelity to Pope Francis' pastoral vision.
Germany
German cardinal, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, known for his very conservative positions and vigorous defense of traditional doctrine.
Poland
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.
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.
United States
American cardinal, patron of the Order of Malta, known for his very conservative positions on liturgy and doctrine, and his open opposition to certain orientations of Pope Francis' pontificate.
Guinea
Guinean cardinal, former prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, known for his very conservative positions on liturgy and doctrine, and his deep attachment to Catholic tradition.
Spain
Spanish cardinal who is very conservative, nicknamed "the little Ratzinger," known for his traditionalist positions on liturgy and morality, and his vigorous defense of Catholic doctrine.
Germany
German cardinal, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, known for his very conservative positions and vigorous defense of traditional doctrine.
Netherlands
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.
Guinea
Guinean cardinal, former prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, known for his very conservative positions on liturgy and doctrine, and his deep attachment to Catholic tradition.
Spain
Spanish cardinal who is very conservative, nicknamed "the little Ratzinger," known for his traditionalist positions on liturgy and morality, and his vigorous defense of Catholic doctrine.
Germany
German cardinal, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, known for his very conservative positions and vigorous defense of traditional doctrine.
Netherlands
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.
Spain
Spanish cardinal who is very conservative, nicknamed "the little Ratzinger," known for his traditionalist positions on liturgy and morality, and his vigorous defense of Catholic doctrine.
Poland
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.
Uruguay
Uruguayan cardinal, Salesian, known for his balanced approach between tradition and renewal, and his commitment to Catholic education.
Netherlands
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.
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.
United States
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.
