(ZENIT News / Rome, 12.12.2024).- In the wake of Pope Francis’ creation of 21 new cardinals, a groundbreaking digital platform has been launched, offering unprecedented access to detailed profiles of the Catholic Church’s cardinalate. This innovative project, «Collegio Cardinalizio: Una Rassegna» (The College of Cardinals: A Review), sets a new standard for understanding the individuals shaping the Church’s future, especially as the next conclave approaches.
A Modern Lens on an Ancient Institution
Developed by an international team of Catholic journalists and researchers led by Vatican expert Edward Pentin and executive director Diane Montagna, the site serves as a comprehensive database for exploring the Sacred College of Cardinals. Supported by Sophia Institute Press and Cardinalis Magazine, this project bridges historical precedent and modern technology to offer a uniquely interactive user experience.
The platform provides visitors with a wealth of information, from biographical sketches to analyses of cardinals’ leadership styles in the core roles of sanctifying, governing, and teaching. Users can filter data by geography, age, and ecclesiastical roles, navigate interactive maps, and propose updates to cardinal profiles, making this a living and collaborative resource.
Insights into Potential Papal Candidates
A particular highlight is the in-depth profiling of 40 prominent cardinals, including those widely regarded as “papabili”—potential successors to Saint Peter. Key figures include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State and seasoned diplomat.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, known for his peace missions in Ukraine and Gaza and leadership of the Italian bishops.
- Cardinal Péter Erdő, an expert in canon law from Hungary.
Emerging figures also feature prominently, such as:
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and a leading voice in the Holy Land.
- Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, a Portuguese poet and cultural innovator.
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, a French advocate for migrants, often seen as a favorite of Pope Francis.
Notably, African leadership is spotlighted through Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of Kinshasa, reflecting the Church’s growing focus on the continent.
Reviving a Historical Practice
While “Collegio Cardinalizio: Una Rassegna” is pioneering in its digital format, its intent echoes historical traditions. Pentin and Montagna noted that centuries ago, detailed biographies of cardinals were meticulously compiled by scribes and shared among diplomatic circles. Today’s platform aims to replicate this depth of knowledge, albeit on a global and accessible scale.
Addressing an Emerging Need
The initiative responds to the evolving dynamics within the Sacred College under Pope Francis. Many newly appointed cardinals hail from “peripheral” regions and are less familiar to their peers. With fewer regular consistories and limited opportunities for in-person meetings, the cardinals often lack comprehensive insights into each other’s backgrounds and perspectives. This tool seeks to fill that gap, particularly as the conclave nears.
“In an age of information and globalization, it’s paradoxical how little the cardinals know about one another,” observed Montagna. “This resource not only enhances transparency but fosters connection among the Church’s highest leaders.”
A Vision for the Future
As the project evolves, the platform plans to expand its profiles, integrate multilingual options, and continue refining its database to meet the needs of clergy, media professionals, and laypeople alike.
Pentin emphasized the enduring value of the project: “While we avoid speculation about papal elections, our aim is to offer a reliable resource that enables informed perspectives. By fostering familiarity among the cardinalate, we hope this platform supports the Church’s leadership in navigating its critical challenges ahead.”
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