Brazil: Cardinal Damasceno Assis Pushes for Latino Pope

Infosur Hoy
February 26, 2013

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Catholicism in Latin America is “lively and dynamic,” Brazilian Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis said on Feb. 24, suggesting that the church look to Latin America for leadership.

Damasceno, 76, is one of the 117 “cardinal electors” who will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope. No favorite has emerged to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who announced that he is stepping down at the end of the month.

Damasceno, who also is the head of Brazil's Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Catholicism is very strong in Latin America.

“The Church in Latin America is enjoying a very special moment, with strong missionary enthusiasm,” Damasceno said.

Openly campaigning for the papacy is taboo, but cardinals discreetly drop hints about their preferences.

Brazilian bishops believe that it is “fundamental” for the next pope to be a person who is a pastoral figure, Damasceno said, “open to dialog with the contemporary world and sensitive to social problems.”