Thinking Out LoudWhat quality should the leader of the world’s biggest religious institution possess?
In the film Conclave, Ralph Fiennes leads a group of cardinals tasked with electing the next pope. He makes a surprising speech about what kind of leader he’s looking for.
“Let us pray that God will grant us a Pope who doubts – and let Him grant us a Pope who sins and asks for forgiveness and who carries on”.
In my Christian circles there’s been some concern from religious leaders about this statement. Not the “sin” part – which, by the way, means erring in a general sense, not an egregious failing – but about the doubting bit.
Is the film advocating doubting God?
Without spoiling the film, I can tell you what Fiennes’ character means. In the papal election, there are two main standouts among the candidates.
One cardinal is certain that a return to the Latin mass and other conservative decisions will return the church to its intended place and provide stability for the world.
On the opposite end, there is a cardinal with more progressive leanings who is certain his is the right way forward. Around them both cluster cardinals who crave certainty and are convinced that either left or right will provide it.
Sound familiar? Conclave nails the political polarisation we experience every day, with both left- and right-wing positions dug in and unwilling to compromise. A film supposedly about the church diagnoses a social ill that applies far beyond it.
Certainty may be reassuring, but it leaves no room to be wrong – “to sin and be forgiven and carry on”. There is also no possibility of common cause between opposed positions.
May we all learn the humility to question our convictions and admit when we have fallen short and embrace forgiveness as we carry on.
This Thinking Out Loud was first published on Facebook.