Désiré Tsarahazana

Cardinal Tsarahazana firmly defends the traditional understanding of marriage and family. In an August 2024 interview he said the Church in Madagascar does 'not accept ideas that aim to change the notion of family' and 'will never accept this new mentality', describing foreign ideologies that separate marriage from procreation as a threat to Malagasy society.

No public statement by Cardinal Tsarahazana on the traditional Latin Mass or Traditionis Custodes has been found. He stresses that faith must be 'really lived, and not just practised outwardly', warning that attending Mass can become a mere habit.

Cardinal Tsarahazana is outspoken on social issues in Madagascar. He has blamed the country's decline on corruption, saying 'where there is injustice, there is no peace', criticised those who enter politics to get rich, and insists the Church must speak for the poor and voiceless in one of the world's poorest countries, hit hard by cyclones and floods.

Pope Francis created Tsarahazana a cardinal in 2018, which he welcomed as a recognition of the Malagasy people by the Holy Father. No public criticism of Francis or particular involvement in the reforms of the pontificate has been found; he appears loyal without being a prominent voice for the pontificate's agenda.

Cardinal Tsarahazana describes Christian-Muslim relations in Madagascar as good, with 'no violence, no hate', while voicing concern that extremism could emerge as seen elsewhere in Africa. His archdiocese's listening service helps people of all faiths, including Muslims.

Cardinal Tsarahazana gives occasional interviews to Catholic media such as ACI Africa and Aid to the Church in Need. His message is classical in tone, focused on deepening faith, the family and peace, and he keeps a modest media profile.