Tensions flare among cardinals who will choose Pope Francis' successor

Tensions were simmering between the cardinals who will select Pope Francis’ successor scarcely hours after his death as a meeting was hastily convened before most had arrived at the Vatican.

While outwardly it appeared to be a formality to arrange the details for Saturday’s funeral, for cardinals who know the power of a hushed word it was seen as a ‘violation’ of their rights.

The death of the Pope on Easter Monday began a power struggle between liberals, many of whom are loyal to Francis, and conservatives loyal to the traditions of the Church.

In the coming days a battle will take place to control the direction of the Holy See for the next decade or more and guide the souls of its billion-plus adherents around the world.

On Monday night one of the most respected cardinals, former Bishop of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen, challenged the College of Cardinals on its decision to hold its first meeting on Tuesday morning before most had arrived.

The 93-year-old wrote: ‘Cardinal Zen would like to know why the first session of the General Congregations has to start so early. How are the old men from the peripheries su...
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