well-known conservative Dutch prelate seen as papabile (a papal contender).
A fi rm defender of traditional
Catholic teachings, especially on moral and ethical issues such as euthanasia and same-sex marriage, Eijk is a former physician who has deep knowledge of bioethics, making him well-suited to address modern medical-moral challenges. He has led the Dutch Catholic
Church through diffi cult times, including declining church at- tendance in the Netherlands and church closures. As bishop he successfully faced
down opposition from LGBTQ+ groups for holding the line on the church’s teaching on homosexuality — a trial that aff ected his health. This, together with leading
the church in an increasingly secular Netherlands, has helped him understand the struggles of Christianity in modern Europe. Eijk is known for his disciplined, structured, and sometimes austere leadership style. His conservative stance is likely
to appeal to those seeking a doctrin- ally fi rm pope, especially after the ambiguities and doctrinal chaos of the Francis years.
• Cardinal Mario Grech, 68, secretary general of the Synod of
Bishops, has emerged as a recent contender. Grech has been a key advo-
cate for synodality, emphasizing Francis’ vision. His tenure has been marked by both support and controversy. Early in his career, he was known for conservative stances, such as op- posing divorce legalization in Malta. However, his approach changed
after Francis’ election, adopting more progressive views on issues
68 NEWSMAX | APRIL 2025
Cardinal Mario Grech played a central role in drafting a document that allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion under certain conditions.
like homosexuality and same-sex civil unions while maintaining op- position to abortion. He played a central role in draft-
ing a document that allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion un- der certain conditions. Critics accused him of
heavy-handed tactics dur- ing its implementation. More recently, Grech has faced criticism for his comments on sensi- tive topics like the German Synodal Way and female diaconate, but remains a trusted ally of Francis. A polarizing fi gure, like Zuppi,
he would be expected to win sup- porters among progressives but alienate those striving to live by the perennial magisterium.
• Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76. This cardinal from Richland
Center, Wisconsin, is respected by many practicing Catholics but considered an outlier due to his respectful but persistent criti- cisms of Francis. Burke is one of the church’s foremost canon lawyers, known for his tradition- alist views and strong advocacy for doctrinal orthodoxy. He is especially con-
servative on the liturgy, moral teachings, and church discipline, has
BURKE
been a vocal critic of progressive theological interpretations, and is seen as a leader among conservative Catholics.
The cardinal has not GRECH
hesitated to challenge high-ranking church offi cials, including Francis, particularly on issues such as Commu- nion for divorced and re- married Catholics, LG- BTQ+ matters, Catholic politicians such as Joe Biden receiving Holy
Communion, and many other mat- ters relating to doctrinal clarity. He is a strong proponent of the
traditional Latin Mass (Tridentine Rite) and has defended its place in the church, even as Francis restrict- ed its use. Many see Burke as well-
equipped to correct the excesses and abuses of the Francis pontifi cate and able to bring the Barque of Peter back on an even keel. However, his chances of being elected pope remain slim due to the make-up of the College of Cardinals, and because a cardinal from a superpower is usually not considered. However, if a strong
conservative movement were to gain momentum, his chances of election could certainly rise, and at the very least, he could play a key role in shaping the church’s future.
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