Asger Risom
Leading conservative critic calls for reversal of Pope Francis’ reforms and urges cardinals to defend Church orthodoxy
In a series of interviews ahead of the upcoming papal conclave, German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, a prominent voice among Catholic conservatives, sharply criticized the legacy of Pope Francis and called for a clear return to traditional Church teachings.
Speaking to La Repubblica and The Times, Müller declared that “a chapter in the history of the Church has ended” with Francis’ death.
He warned that the next pope must uphold orthodoxy rather than drift toward media-driven liberalism, as reported by 20minutos.
A Divisive Voice Before the Vote
Müller, formerly head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, expressed concern that the Church might elect “a heretical pope,” arguing that “the issue is not conservatism versus liberalism, but orthodoxy versus heresy.”
He prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide the cardinals to avoid choosing a pope who “changes doctrine depending on media headlines.”
As a conclave elector himself, Müller will participate in selecting Francis’ successor, with conservatives hoping to regain influence after years of progressive reforms.
Criticism of Francis’ Policies
Among his criticisms, Müller cited:
- The Vatican’s controversial 2018 agreement with China over bishop appointments, calling it a betrayal of Catholic principles.
- The decision to permit informal blessings for same-sex couples, which he said contradicts Church teachings on marriage.
- The inclusion of laypeople, including women, with voting rights in the Synod of Bishops, which he argued blurs the line between episcopal authority and lay participation.
Müller also warned against the Church becoming “a secularized humanitarian organization” and rejected relativistic approaches to interfaith dialogue, particularly with Islam.
With the conclave approaching, Müller’s public statements signal a growing battle within the College of Cardinals over the future direction of the Catholic Church, potentially setting the stage for a highly polarized and consequential election.