Burmese cardinal, the first from his country, known for his commitment to peace and reconciliation, combining respect for tradition and interreligious dialogue.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Conservative |
| Liturgy | Conservative |
| Sociopolitical | Moderate |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Conservative |
| Dialogue | Moderate-progressive |
| Communication | Moderate |
| Overall tendency | Moderate-conservative |
Born in 1948 in Monhla, Burma (Myanmar), Charles Maung Bo joined the Salesian Society of Don Bosco and was ordained a priest in 1976. He was appointed Bishop of Lashio in 1990, then Archbishop of Yangon in 2003. In 2015, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis, thus becoming the first Burmese cardinal.
He also served as president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) from 2018 to 2022, playing a key role in coordinating the Church's pastoral and social efforts in Asia. As a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, he has worked to promote peace and reconciliation in a country marked by ethnic and religious conflicts.
Cardinal Bo is often perceived as a moderate, combining fidelity to Catholic doctrine and openness to interreligious and social dialogue. He embodies a Church engaged on issues of social justice, peace, and human rights, without adopting radical theological positions.
His role as president of the FABC has allowed him to forge close ties with many Asian bishops and cardinals. However, his direct influence within the College of Cardinals remains limited, particularly due to his low presence at the Vatican and the predominance of European and American cardinals.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo upholds traditional Catholic moral teachings, including opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. While he has not made extensive public statements on these issues, his alignment with official Church doctrine and his pastoral approach suggest a commitment to maintaining established moral positions.
Cardinal Bo emphasizes the importance of traditional liturgical practices rooted in the Catholic faith. He has been instrumental in promoting the unique liturgical heritage of the Church in Myanmar.
Cardinal Bo demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice, particularly in serving the poor and marginalized. He has actively engaged in issues related to migration, poverty, and social inclusion, aligning with progressive sociopolitical engagement.
A close collaborator of Pope Francis, Cardinal Bo supports the Pope's reforms and vision for a Church that reaches out to all. He has defended Pope Francis against criticisms and aligns with his emphasis on pastoral care and inclusivity.
Cardinal Bo promotes interreligious dialogue, recognizing its importance in a pluralistic society. He encourages engagement with different faith traditions to foster mutual understanding and peace.
Known for his effective communication and pastoral sensitivity, Cardinal Bo emphasizes the need for the Church to engage with modern culture and technology. He advocates for a Church that listens and speaks in ways that resonate with contemporary society.
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France
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Ethiopia
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Croatia
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Madagascar
Malagasy cardinal, known for his traditionalist positions, his attachment to classical liturgy, and his vigorous defense of Catholic moral doctrine.
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United States
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France
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United Kingdom
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Uruguay
Uruguayan cardinal, Salesian, known for his balanced approach between tradition and renewal, and his commitment to Catholic education.
France
French cardinal, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, known for his legal expertise and traditional doctrinal positions.
Italy
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Germany
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Israel
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Italy
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Canada
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Hungary
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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.
