Cardinal Cristobal Lopez Romero, the Spanish-born archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, expressed his anticipation and cautious curiosity ahead of the upcoming papal conclave on May 7, where 133 cardinals will vote for a successor to Pope Francis. Lopez, who was appointed cardinal by Francis in 2019, believes the Church doesn’t need a direct imitator of the outgoing pope but someone who genuinely embodies Christian values and global awareness. Serving in predominantly Muslim Morocco, Lopez said his perspective shifted towards viewing the Church’s mission as serving the broader world rather than merely its own community.
The cardinal has been participating in the general congregations, where cardinals discuss future directions for the Church. Despite his limited sacramental duties in Morocco, Lopez emphasizes listening, understanding diverse voices, and being attuned to global concerns. He highlighted the conclave’s intense secrecy measures, which include bans on media access and strict confidentiality, underscoring the gravity and spiritual responsibility of selecting a new pope.
Lopez also called for a broader vision of Church leadership, encouraging consideration of papal candidates from regions traditionally outside the Catholic strongholds of Europe and Latin America. Though he rules himself out as a contender, likening the idea to replacing football icon Lionel Messi, Lopez maintains hope that the conclave will not extend beyond a few days so he can return to his duties. His statements reinforce the Church’s evolving mission toward inclusivity, universality, and outreach.
