Brazilian cardinal, Archbishop of Porto Alegre, Franciscan, known for his accessible pastoral approach and social commitment, while maintaining a balance with Catholic tradition.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Moderately progressive |
| Liturgy | Moderately progressive |
| Sociopolitical | Very progressive |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Progressive |
| Dialogue | Very progressive |
| Communication | Very progressive |
| Overall tendency | Progressive |
Cardinal Spengler demonstrates openness to pastoral discussions on sensitive topics. He has expressed a willingness to consider the ordination of married men (viri probati) to address priest shortages in the Amazon region, reflecting a flexible approach to celibacy discipline. While he upholds traditional teachings, his openness to dialogue indicates a moderately progressive stance on moral doctrine.
Cardinal Spengler supports liturgical adaptation to local cultures. He has confirmed plans for a trial run of an Amazonian rite of the Mass, aiming to incorporate indigenous elements. This reflects a progressive approach to liturgy, emphasizing inculturation while maintaining reverence.
As President of the Brazilian Bishops’ Conference and CELAM, Cardinal Spengler emphasizes social justice, integral ecology, and the Church's role in addressing societal challenges. He has reinforced the Church's commitment to climate justice and social engagement in Latin America.
Cardinal Spengler is a close collaborator of Pope Francis, aligning with his vision for a synodal Church. His appointments to key positions and his public statements reflect strong support for the Pope's reforms and pastoral approach.
Cardinal Spengler actively promotes interreligious dialogue, emphasizing peaceful coexistence among diverse faiths in Latin America. His leadership roles in CELAM involve fostering mutual respect and understanding among religious communities.
Known for his pastoral sensitivity and effective communication, Cardinal Spengler engages with the faithful through thoughtful homilies and public statements. He emphasizes the Church's role in addressing contemporary societal challenges while remaining rooted in tradition.
Brazilian cardinal, Archbishop of São Paulo, known for his balanced leadership in Latin America's largest metropolis and his pastoral approach combining tradition and modernity.
Brazilian cardinal, Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, Cistercian, known for his social commitment in the favelas and his balanced pastoral leadership between tradition and openness.
Brazilian cardinal, Archbishop of Brasília, known for his intellectual profile and balanced pastoral approach, combining Catholic tradition and sensitivity to contemporary social issues.
Chile
Chilean cardinal, Archbishop of Concepción, known for his conservative doctrinal positions and commitment to rebuilding trust after abuse scandals.
Canada
Canadian cardinal, Archbishop of Toronto, relatively new to the episcopate, known for his doctrinal fidelity and pragmatic pastoral approach.
Ivory Coast
Ivorian cardinal, Archbishop of Korhogo, known for his pastoral approach rooted in African traditions and his commitment to social peace.
Spain
age: 64
Spanish cardinal and Major Rector of the Salesians, known for his dynamic pastoral approach and commitment to youth.
Uruguay
age: 65
Uruguayan cardinal, Salesian, known for his balanced approach between tradition and renewal, and his commitment to Catholic education.
Tanzania
age: 65
Tanzanian cardinal, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, known for his missionary expertise and balanced pastoral vision, combining doctrinal fidelity and cultural adaptation.
South Africa
South African cardinal, Archbishop of Cape Town, known for his balanced leadership in post-apartheid South Africa and his pastoral work combining fidelity to doctrine and commitment to social justice.
Tonga
Tongan cardinal, Bishop of Tonga, first cardinal from his country, known for his pastoral leadership in the Pacific and his attention to environmental issues affecting Pacific islands.
Portugal
Portuguese cardinal recognized for his pastoral dynamism and modern communication, close to Pope Francis' positions on Church openness.
France
French cardinal, Archbishop of Marseille, known for his commitment to interreligious dialogue and his open pastoral approach in a multicultural city.
Paraguay
Paraguayan cardinal known for his pastoral commitment and moderate approach to social issues. The first cardinal in Paraguay's history.
South Africa
South African cardinal, Archbishop of Cape Town, known for his balanced leadership in post-apartheid South Africa and his pastoral work combining fidelity to doctrine and commitment to social justice.
Italy
Italian cardinal, Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, former prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, known for his missionary and diplomatic experience.
United States
American cardinal, known for his conservative positions on doctrine and liturgy, while seeking unity in a divided ecclesial context.
India
Indian cardinal of Syro-Malankara rite, known for his attachment to the Eastern traditions of the Church and his defense of traditional moral doctrine.
Italy
Italian cardinal, former vicar general of the pope for the diocese of Rome, known for his balance between liturgical tradition and moderate pastoral openness.
Argentina
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.
Chile
Chilean cardinal, Archbishop of Concepción, known for his conservative doctrinal positions and commitment to rebuilding trust after abuse scandals.
France
French cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Lyon, known for his missionary dynamism but whose career has been marked by controversy over the handling of sexual abuse in his diocese.
Kenya
Kenyan cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, known for his conservative positions on moral issues and his leadership in the growing African Church.
Italy
Italian cardinal, Archbishop of Florence, known for his conservative doctrinal positions and intellectual work, while remaining engaged in pastoral dialogue.
Italy
Italian cardinal, Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, former prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, known for his missionary and diplomatic experience.
United States
American cardinal, known for his conservative positions on doctrine and liturgy, while seeking unity in a divided ecclesial context.
Ethiopia
Ethiopian cardinal of Eastern rite, known for his defense of traditional Church values and his pastoral work in a context of religious tensions.
