Cardinal Hollerich: Leo XIV will survive Trump

Pope Leo XIV. In the opinion of Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich not as a counterweight to US President Donald Trump was chosen. « It would be absurd to think that a Pope was chosen as a counterweight to a political leader: his office has a much deeper and more universal meaning, » he said in the interview of the Italian daily « La Stampa » on Tuesday.

This was also clear in the conclave that the American Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope on May 8, Hollerich said, according to the newspaper, a key figure in the conclave. « We didn’t think of a dam against Trump. And by the way, Trump stays in office for four years, Leo XIV probably much longer. »

In order to organize the new Pope in inner -church debates, Hollerich said that he does not think Leo XIV withdraws the blessing of homosexuals. This is under the predecessor Francis decided by the church teaching. « It is very difficult to take back this teaching. However, it could be adjusted, but not wiped out. » He was convinced that Leo XIV continued on the basic line of his predecessor, which assumed that the church has to « accept everyone who needs our love ».

On the future role of women in the church leadership, Hollerich recalled the promotion of women to Vatican management offices under Pope Francis. « I am sure that Prevost will not reverse it. » Hollerich commented more cautiously on the question of whether there would be women in the Catholic Church on Leo XIV. « You have to be careful and not jeopardize the unity of the church. There is a risk of divisions and non -curable cuts, » said the cardinal.

He recalled the tensions that existed on this topic in the Anglican community. It is important to overcome the idea that the priesthood has something to do with power. In truth, it is a service. Only if that is really aware of it, you have to ask again whether women could have access to this service.