Cardinal Bertone gives account of 2013 conclave
March 13, 2014
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the former Vatican Secretary of State, offers his perspective on the conclave that elected Pope Francis, in a candid interview with La Stampa.
Cardinal Angelo Scola of Milan may have been the front-runner, Cardinal Bertone says, but as the cardinals met in congregations before the conclave began, the desire for reform in the Roman Curia became more pronounced, and Cardinal Scola was perceived as too close to the existing Vatican power structure. During those congregations, two cardinals made strong impressions with their short talks: Cardinals Luis Tagle of Manila and Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires.
By the end of the 1st day of the conclave, the vote total for Cardinal Bergoglio was rising, Cardinal Bertone reports. On the morning of the 2nd day he emerged as the clear leader, and when a few lingering questions were resolved over lunch, he was elected on the first afternoon ballot.
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