As the College of Cardinals meets in Rome ahead of the 7 May conclave, Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of El Salvador said the atmosphere is one of peace, fraternity, and shared faith—not politics.
Though over the age limit to vote, the 81-year-old cardinal, a close collaborator of St Óscar Romero, offered insight into the mood of the general congregations, calling them “calm and prayerful.”
Despite media speculation, he said cardinals aren’t focused on papal front-runners, but rather on discernment and continuity.
“This isn’t a parliament,” he quipped. The desire, he added, is for a pope who will carry forward Pope Francis’ vision—one rooted in care for the poor, peace and the environment.
Cardinal Rosa Chávez, who joked about comparing the conclave to the Champions League semifinals, said there’s deep trust that the Holy Spirit will guide the church. “What people want is authenticity,” he said. “They want to feel Christ among us.”