Embarrassment and faith were the words used by the Archbishop of Porto Alegre and current president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, Jaime Spengler, to describe how he received the news of Pope Francis’ death on Monday (21). Spengler was appointed Cardinal by Francisco in December 2024.
“I remember I was in Rome, participating in the Synod, when it suddenly came to this information. We were not pre-guarded or something. It was a big surprise,” says Spengler.
The cardinal will participate in the conclave in Rome, where the new pontiff will be chosen. According to the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre, he should board a plane to Italy later this Monday, after presiding over a mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral, at 18h, in honor of Francisco.
Spengler highlights the environmental debate as one of Francisco’s latest legacies. In addition, it recalls the Pope’s concern with immigrants and refugees from geopolitical conflicts.
“It caused discomfort in some environments, but at the same time, a prophetic voice that denounced this reality,” comments the cardinal.
However, for the archbishop, the greatest legacy left by the Pope is joy.
“Always speaking of Christian testimony, reason for joy, exultation, right? This expression of love, a God who wants life and full life for all, not death, not conflict, not destruction, but full life for all.”
This content was originally published in Porto Alegre Cardinal prepares to travel to Roma for Conclave on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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