As the next conclave approaches, the name of Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah is increasingly surfacing in discussions. Seen by his supporters as a beacon of hope for a Church in search of direction, he is described by critics as the antithesis of Pope Francis. A self-proclaimed conservative, unwavering in his defense of Catholic tradition, Robert Sarah embodies a vision of the Church rooted in doctrinal fidelity—far from the more progressive direction associated with the current pontificate.
In a world marked by cultural and identity tensions, Cardinal Sarah emerges as a spokesman for traditional Catholicism, grounded in a civilizational reading of the faith. Where Pope Francis favors a pastoral approach and openness to the margins, Sarah champions structure, discipline, and continuity. This stance appeals to a growing segment of Catholics unsettled by contemporary changes. For some, the time has come for a return to order, rigor, and transcendence.
What is striking is that this conservative vision is now being championed by an African cardinal. Long perceived as more progressive, the African Church today often takes a much firmer line on social issues. From opposition to same-sex marriage to attachment to traditional liturgy and criticism of political Islam, African prelates are reminding Europeans of the very dogmas they once helped propagate. In this sense, Sarah challenges stereotypes: he embodies a Global South that is more conservative than the postmodern North.
Intellectual and spiritual coherence
On the international stage, Cardinal Sarah enjoys significant support. Conservative political figures in Europe, such as Polish MEP Witold Waszczykowski and Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, see in him a defender of Europe’s Christian roots—roots often glossed over in the founding texts of the European Union. His assessment is clear: the West is experiencing a deep identity crisis, unable to acknowledge the spiritual heritage that shaped it. To let that memory fade, he warns, is to pave the way for civilizational decline.
However, there is no clear indication that Cardinal Sarah is in a favorable position to ascend to the throne of Saint Peter. Most of the cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis and lean more toward the current reformist agenda. Still, Sarah remains a powerful figure, as he represents intellectual and spiritual consistency—a theological rigor combined with lived experience in interreligious dialogue, having grown up in a Muslim-majority country.
Close to Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Sarah shared his affinity for silence, interior prayer, and solemn liturgy. His moral authority extends far beyond Africa, nourished by a structured, incisive discourse—often unsettling, yet always grounded in a demanding vision of Christianity.