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.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Very conservative |
| Liturgy | Very conservative |
| Sociopolitical | Conservative |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Very conservative |
| Dialogue | Conservative |
| Communication | Conservative |
| Overall tendency | Very conservative |
Born on June 15, 1945, in Ourous, Guinea, Robert Sarah was ordained a priest in 1969. At 34, in 1979, he became the Archbishop of Conakry, the youngest Catholic bishop at the time. He held this position until 2001, during which he resisted the Marxist regime of Sékou Touré, defending religious freedom and the autonomy of the Church. (Cardinal Robert Sarah: A Leading Contender for the Pope Office, Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Robert Sarah's resignation from ...)
In 2001, he was appointed Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, then President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum in 2010. That same year, he was created cardinal by Benedict XVI. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a position he held until his retirement in 2021. (Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Robert Sarah's resignation from ..., 14 cardinals will no longer be electors at the end of 2025 - Aleteia, Le cardinal Sarah ne sera bientôt plus électeur du Conclave - Aleteia)
Author of several influential works such as God or Nothing (2015), The Power of Silence (2016), and The Day Is Now Far Spent (2019), he is recognized for his defense of the traditional values of the Church.
Cardinal Sarah is identified as a conservative figure, attached to traditional liturgy and the Church's classical moral teachings. He criticizes secularization and defends a vision of the Church centered on prayer, silence, and doctrinal fidelity.
He has the support of cardinals who share his traditional convictions, particularly in Africa and Europe. However, the majority of cardinal electors having been created by Pope Francis, his influence could be limited compared to candidates more aligned with recent reforms.
Cardinal Robert Sarah is a staunch defender of traditional Catholic moral teachings. He has consistently opposed any changes to the Church's stance on issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and gender ideology. He has described homosexuality as 'gravely sinful' and 'at odds with human nature,' and has criticized efforts to bless same-sex unions. His unwavering commitment to doctrinal orthodoxy places him firmly in the conservative camp.
Cardinal Sarah is a prominent advocate for the Traditional Latin Mass and has criticized efforts to restrict it. He has described attempts to abolish the traditional liturgy as a 'diabolical project' and has emphasized the importance of preserving the Church's liturgical heritage. His commitment to traditional worship practices underscores his conservative liturgical stance.
Cardinal Sarah has expressed conservative views on sociopolitical issues, particularly concerning migration and Western cultural trends. He has criticized mass immigration, describing it as a 'new form of slavery' and has warned against the 'cultural colonization' of Africa by Western ideologies. His perspectives reflect a cautious approach to sociopolitical engagement.
While Cardinal Sarah has publicly affirmed his loyalty to Pope Francis, he has also been a vocal critic of some of the Pope's reforms. Notably, he co-authored a book defending priestly celibacy, which was seen as a challenge to Francis's openness to ordaining married men in certain contexts. His traditionalist views often put him at odds with the current papal agenda.
Cardinal Sarah advocates for interreligious dialogue but maintains a cautious approach, especially concerning Islam. He has emphasized the importance of Christian unity and has called for vigilance against syncretism. His stance reflects a desire for dialogue rooted in firm Christian identity.
Cardinal Sarah is known for his contemplative and solemn communication style. He emphasizes the value of silence and has critiqued the 'noisy' and 'destructive' forms of liturgy. His writings and speeches often reflect a deep spiritual focus, resonating with those who favor a more traditional and introspective approach.
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.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic doctrine.
Poland
Polish cardinal, Archbishop of Warsaw, known for his balanced pastoral approach, combining Polish Catholic tradition with openness to dialogue in an evolving society.
Spain
age: 79
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
age: 79
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.
United Kingdom
age: 79
British cardinal, Archbishop of Westminster, known for his conservative positions on moral issues, while being committed to defending migrants and fighting human trafficking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic 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.
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.
Madagascar
Malagasy cardinal, known for his traditionalist positions, his attachment to classical liturgy, and his vigorous defense of Catholic moral doctrine.
Madagascar
Malagasy cardinal, known for his traditionalist positions, his attachment to classical liturgy, and his vigorous defense of Catholic moral 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, 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.
Madagascar
Malagasy cardinal, known for his traditionalist positions, his attachment to classical liturgy, and his vigorous defense of Catholic moral 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.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cardinal with strong traditionalist positions, known for his attachment to traditional liturgy and defense of Catholic 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.
Madagascar
Malagasy cardinal, known for his traditionalist positions, his attachment to classical liturgy, and his vigorous defense of Catholic moral doctrine.
