During the most critical period of flood in Rio Grande do Sul, Dom Jaime Spengler, Porto Alegre Metropolitan Archbishop and president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), said he received a telephone of a different number. When he answered, he was surprised: he was Pope Francis, calling to express solidarity with the climate tragedy that affected the gaucho state.
After this occasion, Spengler said he met Papa personally in more than one opportunity, as in February this year, when he was appointed Cardinal. According to him, Francis’ first question was always the same: “How is Rio Grande do Sul going?”
The story was told by Spengler during a press conference on Monday afternoon at the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Curia. To the press, the cardinal said he should travel to Rome tomorrow (22) to participate in the choice of the new Pope.
Before the conclave begins, he explained that he should participate in the pontiff’s funeral acts and pass through a period of meetings with other cardinals, which can take days.
Spengler said it is early to speculate possible successors. “We know some in sporadic meetings, in the media, in theological reflection, the level of participation in the various areas of ecclesial life. More than that, I hope, during the work we will have, know better and cooperate to choose not the best, but someone who can read the signs of the times and to give answers to the challenges of the present time,” said the cardinal.
Among the options, Spengler emphasized that the College of Cardinals became more diverse and representative from the Papacy of Francis: “It is of extraordinary wealth.”
Before boarding, Spengler will preside over a Mass on Monday at 18h at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Porto Alegre.
This content was originally published in Porto Alegre Cardinal says it is early to speculate Pope’s successor on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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