Joy Behar sparked controversy on “The View” when she expressed concerns about Pope Francis being replaced by a “conservative guy” who might reverse the pontiff’s progressive legacy.
At a Glance
- Joy Behar worried that a “backlash” against Pope Francis’s humility could lead to a conservative successor who is “anti-gay”
- Pope Francis passed away recently, with his funeral scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square
- Co-hosts praised Francis for his progressive views and inclusive approach toward the LGBTQ+ community
- Cardinal Robert Sarah emerges as a conservative favorite for succession due to his traditional Catholic views
- The election process for the new pope will follow ancient traditions carried out by cardinals
Behar’s Concerns Over Catholic Church’s Future Direction
During a recent episode of “The View,” co-host Joy Behar voiced apprehension about who might succeed Pope Francis following his passing. Her comments focused on the potential shift in the Catholic Church’s direction if a more conservative leader takes the helm, particularly regarding policies that Pope Francis had softened during his papacy.
“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.” Behar said.
The panel discussion occurred as the Catholic world mourns Pope Francis, whose funeral is scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. The conversation quickly transformed into a reflection on his papacy and speculation about the Church’s future direction. Fellow co-host Sara Haines described Francis as “the most Jesus-like” pope, citing his inclusive stance on various issues.
Co-Hosts Reflect on Francis’s Progressive Legacy
Sunny Hostin shared her personal journey with Catholicism, revealing how Pope Francis helped her reconnect with her faith despite struggles over Church scandals and positions on social issues. She highlighted Francis’s emphasis on empathy, particularly regarding immigration policies in the United States.
“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.” Hostin said.
Whoopi Goldberg recalled a personal encounter with the late pontiff, sharing how he invited comedians from around the world to the Vatican, expressing his belief in the importance of laughter. She praised his outreach to all people regardless of their religious affiliation and his understanding of refugee issues, contrasting his approach with current political divisions.
Conservative Cardinal Sarah Emerges as Potential Successor
As cardinals prepare to gather for the traditional conclave to elect the next pope, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea has emerged as a favorite among conservative Catholics. His traditional views and criticism of Western secularism stand in contrast to Pope Francis’s more progressive approach, making him a potential catalyst for the change Behar fears.
“My biggest worry is that Europe doesn’t want anymore, or has lost the sense of its origins. It has lost its roots. Yet, a tree without roots, it dies. And I’m afraid the West is dying.” the Cardinal replied.
Cardinal Sarah has expressed concerns about immigration policies and what he sees as Europe losing its cultural identity. His stance on traditional Catholic teachings and skepticism toward progressive reforms has made him a polarizing figure in discussions about the Church’s future. His potential election would represent the significant shift in leadership that Behar and her co-hosts appear to dread.
The Process of Papal Succession
The process of selecting a new pope follows ancient traditions that have been refined over centuries. Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave, where they will cast secret ballots until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. This time-honored procedure will determine whether the Church continues on Pope Francis’s path or pivots toward more conservative interpretations of Catholic doctrine.
The election will have significant implications for the 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and for the Church’s positions on various social issues. Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by outreach to marginalized communities and calls for environmental stewardship, setting a precedent that some hope will continue while others pray for a return to more traditional interpretations of Church teachings.
