Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the recently elected head of the French bishops’ conference, has emerged as a strong candidate in the upcoming papal conclave, gaining attention for his unique approach to leadership and dialogue among various faiths. Residing in Marseille, a city characterized by its cultural diversity and socio-economic struggles, Aveline has dedicated countless years to promoting understanding and collaboration across religious lines.
His supporters have affectionately nicknamed him "John XXIV," drawing a parallel to Pope John XXIII, who is remembered for his progressive vision and efforts to modernize the Church. "I think he would be a great pope,” expressed Jean-François Colosimo, a leading French theologian. He praised Aveline’s ability to engage in meaningful conversations and bridge gaps between various factions within the Church while maintaining a strong sense of his own identity.
At 66 years old, Cardinal Aveline presents a combination of contemporary openness reminiscent of Pope Francis, along with a robust grounding in theological principles. However, his candidacy may face obstacles, including limited acceptance of French candidates in previous conclaves and a lack of experience with the inner workings of the Vatican. Moreover, Aveline is not fluent in Italian, the predominant language in Vatican operations, which could further challenge his potential ascent.
Despite these hurdles, the prospect of Cardinal Aveline taking on the papacy symbolizes hope for many who envision a Catholic Church that actively engages with the complexities of today's world while honoring its rich traditions. As the papal conclave approaches, discussions around his candidacy will certainly stir interest and reflect the Church's broader quest for connection in an increasingly fragmented society.
