Conclave and Clericalism
Pope Francis has died - A conclave approaches!
Pope Francis: A Humble and Inclusive Leader
Pope Francis was a humble man, known as the “Pope for the People”
He was open to listening and engaging in dialogue with people of many faiths and even those without faith. For instance, he maintained weekly contact with the small Catholic community in Gaza and engaged in meaningful discussions with leaders of the Islamic faith.
Closer to home, within the LGBTQIA+ / Queer community, Pope Francis offered a refreshing perspective. When asked about homosexual individuals, he famously remarked, “Who am I to judge?” He emphasized God’s Creation as embracing all people, regardless of who they are — this, of course, includes gay individuals.
Although he did not extend his support to same-sex marriage, he did permit priests to bless us as people, though not in the form of civil or church marriages.
Personal Reflections on Clericalism
As someone who has spent significant time within the Catholic Church, I bring a unique perspective to this topic. I was a student for the Priesthood in the 1990s, a volunteer Missionary in Papua New Guinea for three years, and spent time in a Catholic Monastery in Sydney—all this after Catholic schooling. My life has been one of dual identities: a gay man whose truth was hidden for decades and an openly Catholic individual for 60 years. Today, I am no longer Catholic. I’ve “escaped” that Church and am now a happily married gay man with my dear husband, Cheng.
Clericalism refers to the state of being ordained as a Priest or Pastor within the Church. Specifically, I’m discussing the male-only clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, though it is worth noting other Catholic rites have married clergy. According to Church teaching and Canon Law, a Priest is defined as a baptized male, initiated into the Catholic tradition. This male individual is then ordained into the Priesthood, a sacrament that formally separates him from laypeople. This separation fosters a hierarchical structure where clerics hold power and authority over others. Sadly, as we have seen through recent abuse scandals, this clerical power has at times been devastatingly abused, harming vulnerable children and adults.
The very garments—Roman collars, soutanes, vestments, and other ritual attire—all symbolize clericalism. While these may hold spiritual significance for some, they also perpetuate this hierarchy and separation.
The Conclave Process
The Conclave is the secretive process of electing a new Pope, a process that holds tremendous significance worldwide. The Bishop of Rome, as the Pope, leads not only the Catholic Church but also wields influence far beyond its billion-strong global community. The election process was dramatized effectively in the recent movie Conclave. Have you seen it? The film explores power struggles within the Church—conservatives, moderates, and progressives vying for influence. This mirrors real-life conclaves, where eligible Cardinals (men under 80) convene in the Vatican to elect a new leader. Voting follows strict rules: two ballots in the morning and two in the evening until a two-thirds majority is achieved. Ballot papers are burned in stoves—black smoke signals no result, while white smoke heralds a new Pope. The announcement of a new Pope often captivates the world, with questions about his background, ideology, and potential legacy dominating media coverage.
Will we see a progressive leader this time? A surprise pick? Or perhaps another Italian Pope? Let’s see what unfolds next month!
Closing Thoughts
The intersection of clericalism and the conclave process reveals the significant influence wielded by the Catholic Church, both within its community and globally. While the Church has historically resisted change, perhaps the future holds space for greater inclusivity and modernity.
Meanwhile, you might enjoy reading my book on these topics: https://amzn.asia/d/2qJMyZE
I also recommend the Australian ABC’s excellent article:
Who will be the new pope? Here's a list of cardinals who could be the next pontiff - ABC News
Thanks for reading,
Paul of Caboolture, Queensland
Source: Paul Ward - Conclave and Clericalism
You can find more articles like this one by clicking the topics below, or to find more articles by this member, click on the profile image below the topic list!
