LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Is a Papal election being held these days? Is it true that our Cardinal is running for the papacy?

Is a Papal election being held these days? Is it true that our Cardinal is running for the papacy?

-By King Solomon

(Lanka-e-News -11.Jan.2025, 11.00 PM) A rumor that the next Pope may be selected from Sri Lanka has been circulating widely in Sri Lankan media, social media, and websites over the past few days. Reports featuring a picture of the current Pope Francis alongside an image of Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith have fueled this speculation.

These reports claim that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has been “nominated for the papacy.” Some also state that his name is on the list of Cardinals eligible for the position. In this context, Ranjan Ramanayake, speaking to the Colombo Crime Division regarding Namal Kumara’s recent statements, jokingly said that “maligning the Cardinal is happening because he is being considered for the papacy.”

However, this so-called “news” about the Cardinal being a papal candidate seems to have provoked opponents of justice in Sri Lanka. Notably, the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday attacks appear to be among those most disturbed by this rumor. Namal Kumara’s loud protests reveal their growing fear, with concerns like, “If Malcolm Ranjith becomes Pope, we will be caught with international support.” It’s suspected that the campaign against the Cardinal has been initiated to prevent such a scenario.

But is this claim true? Has Cardinal Ranjith been nominated? Is there really an election underway for the papacy? These are questions that demand answers.

To understand the situation, it’s essential to first grasp how a Pope is selected.

Who is the Pope?

According to Catholic teaching, the Pope is not merely a political or administrative leader but the visible head of the global Catholic Church, representing Christ himself. Christ appointed Peter, a fisherman, as the leader of his disciples to “guide, protect, and nourish” his people after his departure. Peter thus became the first Pope and led the early Christians through persecution. After Peter’s martyrdom under Emperor Nero, Linus, one of his disciples, succeeded him, starting a tradition that has continued uninterrupted.

As Peter led the Church from Rome, the Bishop of Rome came to be regarded as the leader of all Catholics. Thus, the Pope’s formal title is “Bishop of Rome,” among others, while “Pope” is a colloquial nickname derived from the Latin word Papa (Father).

The Law and Tradition

The process for electing a Pope has evolved over centuries. The current system—where only Cardinals can vote in the papal conclave, and the Pope must be chosen from among them—was first codified as Church law in 1509 by Pope Nicholas II. Minor changes were later made, and the latest version of the constitution governing papal elections was updated in 1996 by Pope John Paul II.

When can a Papal Election happen?

A new Pope can only be elected under specific circumstances:
1. The papal seat must be vacant (Sede Vacante in Latin).
2. This vacancy occurs when the reigning Pope passes away or resigns.

Until one of these events occurs, the possibility of a papal election cannot even be considered. Therefore, discussions about a papal election at this time are either baseless or part of some conspiracy.

The Current Status of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, though advanced in age and suffering from ailments such as sciatica and arthritis, remains mentally sharp, spiritually strong, and active in his duties. His recent Christmas and New Year activities, including Masses, sermons, and meetings, underscore his continued commitment and leadership.

Thus, there is no reason to anticipate a papal election soon. Speculating or spreading rumors about such an event at this stage is not only foolish but also malicious.

The Rumor About Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

The rumor that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is a candidate for the papacy appears to be either a deliberate lie or a manipulation by certain groups with ulterior motives. Sri Lankans are urged to critically evaluate such claims before believing them.

As the saying goes, “The voice may be Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s.” We must carefully scrutinize the sources behind these rumors.

In conclusion, there is no papal election happening at present, nor has there been any indication of such an event. Pope Francis remains in good health and continues to lead the Church effectively.

Stay tuned for the next article, where we will further discuss the claim that Cardinal Ranjith is vying for the papacy.