The position of the 22 papibles on fracturing topics

Article originally published on December 29, 2024

In addition to the profile of each of the ‘papable’ cardinals, the ‘College of Cardinal’ website launches ten ‘key questions’ and their position. About controversy such as the blessing of same -sex couples, communion of remarks, ordination of diaconis or celibacy of priests, the position of each of the cardinals is published. Tolentino de Mendonça appears as one of the most liberal, although in most cases his opinion is not public

Diaconis

Throughout the pontificate of Pope Francis, the possibility of ordering women as diaconis has been discussed. Criticism made by the most conservative is that this can be a crucial step in allowing the ordination of women as priests. Although Francis rejected this possibility. Tolentino’s position is considered ‘ambiguous’ as it is only in line with the position of the church.

In favor 0
Against 13
Ambiguous 5
It is not known 4

Homosexuals

The Vatican Fiducia Declaration Supplicans allowed for the first time the priests to offer non -liturgical ‘spontaneous’ blessings to same -sex couples. Critics denounced a major doctrinal change. Fiducia Supplicans caused widespread controversy especially in Africa where the vast majority of bishops rejected it. The site says it is unaware of the position of Tolentino.

In favor 2
Against 9
It is not known 8
Ambiguous 3

Celibacy of the priests

It is not a new discussion but has grown in recent decades. The scandals of the abuse came to sharpen the controversy. It is also pointed out as a solution to the vocation crisis. Defenders of the mandatory rule argue that they allow priests to dedicate themselves totally to God. Pope Francis suggested that it is not a closed issue. Tolentino’s position is ‘ambiguous’ because ‘supports the ongoing debate’.

In favor 1
Against 10
Ambiguous 6
It is not known 5

Masses in Latin

In 2021, Pope Francis imposed restrictions on the celebration of the Mass celebrated before the Second Vatican Council. Pope Francis insisted that the restrictions were necessary to promote unity in the church. Its ultimate goal is to have only one form of the Latin rite, the Novus Ordo introduced in 1970. Regarding this issue, the cardinal profile site says it is unaware of Tolentino’s position.

In favor 3
Against 7
ambiguous 5
It is not known 7

German question

The Synodal Way 2019-2023 of the Catholic Church in Germany was held in response to the crisis of sexual abuse. Despite the Vatican’s repeated warnings, the process advanced. He concluded with resolutions that appealed to changes in issues such as same -sex blessings, diaconis ordination, and revision of teachings on homosexuality and sexual ethics. There is also nothing here about what the Portuguese cardinal thinks.

In favor 1
Against 10
Ambiguous 1
It is not known 10

Communion Recovery

In the exhortation of Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis allowed divorced and civilly recreated Catholics to receive communion on a case -by -case basis under certain circumstances and after a period of discernment. The supporters considered the inclusive and pastorally necessary change; Critics are potentially contradictory with teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. Tolentino is in favor.

In favor 6
Against 8
Ambiguous 2
It is not known 6

HUMANEE VITAE

In the encyclical humane vitae, Pope Paul VI of 1968 reaffirmed the teaching of the Catholic Church about the use of contraceptives as « intrinsically evil ». Pope Francis has had a more flexible approach. Some theologians, including the leaders of the Pontifical Academy for Life, implied that the teaching is not infallible by raising lit debates. What Cardinal Tolentino thinks about this theme is for the authors of the site an unknown.

In favor 2
Against 10
Ambiguous 1
It is not known 9

Climate change

In 2015, Pope Francis dedicated his encyclical Laudato Si ‘to the care of the environment. Although many church leaders have echoed their concerns, others say that emphasis goes beyond the religious scope of the church, question the Pope’s solutions and doubt the science of climate change. The Pope considers this concern a moral and ethical obligation linked to God’s creation. The position of Tolentino was not found.

In favor 8
Against 3
Ambiguous 1
It is not known 10

Synodal Church

Pope Francis presents synodality as a central element for the renewal and future of the Catholic Church, a way of walking together, listening, discerning in collaboration and being more participative and inclusive. Critics, however, say the concept is vacant, undermines the hierarchical structure of the church, excluded conservative groups. Cardinal Tolentino is in favor.

In favor 10
Against 4
Ambiguous 5
It is not known 3

Agreements with China

In 2018, the Vatican signed a secret agreement with the Chinese Communist Party about the appointment of bishops to resolve divisions and improve the Church’s relations with Beijing, but was widely criticized for compromising religious freedom, ‘selling’ Chinese Catholics and not properly protecting clandestine Catholics. Tolentino’s position is not known

In favor 3
Against 3
Ambiguous 1
It is not known 15