Following the death of Pope Francis, “The View” host Joy Behar expressed apprehension about his potential replacement by a more conservative leader, sparking debate over the future direction of the Catholic Church.
At a Glance
- Joy Behar voiced concern on “The View” that Pope Francis might be replaced by a “conservative guy” who would reverse his progressive policies
- Co-hosts praised Pope Francis for his humility, inclusivity, and progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues
- Conservatives within the Church favor Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea for his traditional values and anti-woke views
- Pope Francis was known for preaching mercy, kindness, and emphasizing the dignity of migrants
- The process to elect a new pope will follow age-old traditions carried out by cardinals
Liberal Fears Over Conservative Successor
As the Catholic Church prepares for the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, “The View” co-host Joy Behar has stirred conversation with her expressed concerns about his potential successor. During a recent episode, Behar worried aloud that the Church might experience a conservative backlash to Francis’s progressive papacy, potentially installing a leader with more traditional values who might reverse Francis’s more inclusive positions.
“I wonder because there might be a backlash against how good he was and how much humility he had compared to some of the leaders in this world right now, so there might be a backlash to it, and they’ll get some conservative guy in there who, you know, is anti-gay and everything else.”, said Joy Behar.
The discussion highlighted the significant impact Pope Francis had made during his papacy, with co-hosts describing him as “the most Jesus-like” pope for his focus on humility, mercy, and inclusivity. Sara Haines specifically praised his more welcoming stance toward the LGBTQ+ community, while Whoopi Goldberg shared her personal experience meeting the pontiff, emphasizing his appreciation for humor and his inclusive approach to leadership.
The Conservative Alternative
As the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pope through the traditional conclave process, conservative voices within the Catholic Church have been advocating for Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Known for his traditional values and criticism of modern secularism, Cardinal Sarah represents a stark contrast to Pope Francis’s more progressive approach. His potential election could signal a significant shift in the Church’s stance on key social issues.
Cardinal Sarah has expressed concerns about migration policies and what he perceives as the erosion of European cultural identity, positions that align with more traditional Catholic viewpoints. These stances stand in contrast to Pope Francis’s repeated emphasis on the dignity of migrants and refugees, which included public criticism of restrictive immigration policies, including those of former President Donald Trump.
The Legacy of Pope Francis
The discussion on “The View” also highlighted Pope Francis’s lasting impact on the Catholic Church and individual believers. Co-host Sunny Hostin revealed that despite her struggles with Catholicism due to the Church’s sex scandals and traditional stances on various issues, Pope Francis had changed her perspective through his emphasis on empathy and compassion.
“I’ve struggled with being a Catholic, but this pope changed things for me. I remember I was having this discussion with you, Joy, about how I feel like there’s a crisis of empathy in this country, that unless it happens to you, you can’t feel the empathy of it happening to somebody else. They’re going to deport that person. It’s not going to affect my family, so I don’t care that it’s affecting others.”, said Sunny Hostin.
Whoopi Goldberg emphasized Pope Francis’s practical understanding of global challenges, particularly regarding refugees and migration. She praised his positive approach and willingness to help those in need, regardless of their religious backgrounds. This, the co-hosts agreed, made him a universal figure whose influence extended well beyond the Catholic Church, touching people of all faiths and backgrounds.
The Path Forward
As the Vatican initiates the traditional rituals following a pope’s death, the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads. The selection of the next pope will occur through the ancient conclave process, during which cardinals gather to elect a successor through a series of secret ballots. This time-honored tradition will determine whether the Church continues on the path set by Pope Francis or moves in a different direction.
Regardless of who succeeds Pope Francis, his legacy of humility, inclusivity, and compassion has already made a significant mark on the Church and the world. His funeral, scheduled to take place in St. Peter’s Square, will undoubtedly draw large crowds to pay their respects to a pope who, according to many, embodied the true Christian values of mercy and kindness in a world increasingly divided by political and social differences.
