In the world of politics, campaigning is often seen as a necessary evil. Candidates must go out and sell themselves to the public, making promises and trying to win over voters. But in the case of a campaign for Pope, the rules are a bit different.
One key to a successful campaign for Pope is to act like you’re not campaigning at all. This may seem counterintuitive, but in the secretive and highly political world of the Vatican, overt campaigning can actually be a turn-off to those who hold the power to elect the next Pope.
Instead, potential candidates for the Papacy must focus on building relationships and gaining the trust of key decision-makers within the College of Cardinals. This means showing humility, piety, and a genuine dedication to serving the Church, rather than trying to actively campaign for the position.
One example of this approach can be seen in the election of Pope Francis in 2013. Prior to his election, Pope Francis, then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was not actively campaigning for the position. Instead, he focused on his work as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, quietly building relationships with his fellow Cardinals and gaining a reputation for his humility and dedication to serving the poor.
When the time came to elect a new Pope, Pope Francis’ approach paid off. His humility and dedication to serving others won over the Cardinals, and he was elected as the first Jesuit Pope and the first Pope from the Americas.
In the world of the Vatican, where secrecy and tradition play a significant role in the election of the Pope, campaigning can be seen as unseemly and even disrespectful. By focusing on building relationships and demonstrating a genuine commitment to serving the Church, potential candidates for the Papacy can increase their chances of being elected without resorting to overt campaigning tactics.
Ultimately, the key to a successful campaign for Pope is to act like you’re not campaigning at all. By demonstrating humility, piety, and a genuine dedication to serving the Church, potential candidates can win over the Cardinals and increase their chances of being elected as the next Pope.
