conclave – mackaycartoons

Tuesday April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday April 29, 2025

Double Leadership Revelations: From Parliament to Papal

As Canadians head to the polls to elect a new government, another significant decision is unfolding in Vatican City, where the Roman Catholic conclave is set to elect a new Pope. Both events mark crucial turning points that will shape the future for millions across the globe.

Canada’s Political Crossroads

2021 Federal Election

Canada stands at a critical juncture, with voters determining the composition of the 45th Parliament following a period of political uncertainty. This election comes after the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the interim leadership of Mark Carney, who has yet to secure a mandate from the electorate.

The political landscape has been further complicated by the re-election of Donald Trump as U.S. President in 2024. Trump’s administration has imposed trade tariffs on Canada and engaged in controversial rhetoric suggesting Canada consider becoming the 51st state. These actions have sparked widespread opposition across Canada, fuelling a surge of patriotism and economic nationalism.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has emerged as a prominent figure during this period, championing Canadian sovereignty and economic independence. His recent snap election victory, centred on opposing Trump’s tariffs, has bolstered his status as a national leader. Ford’s “Canada Is Not For Sale” campaign has resonated with many Canadians, serving as a rallying cry against external pressures and a call for unity.

In contrast, federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has faced criticism for not effectively addressing the Trump issue in his campaign. As Canadians cast their votes, the question remains whether they will embrace Ford’s proactive leadership style or opt for a different path under Carney or Poilievre.

A New Chapter for the Vatican

April 28, 2025

Simultaneously, the Roman Catholic Church faces its own momentous decision as cardinals gather in conclave to elect a new Pope following the resignation of Pope Francis due to health reasons. The conclave seeks a leader to guide the Church through contemporary challenges, including issues of modernization, inclusivity, and global influence.

As both Canada and the Vatican await the outcomes of these pivotal decisions, the world watches closely. The choices made today will have far-reaching implications, influencing not only the future of Canadian governance and international relations but also the spiritual direction of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

In this moment of reflection and decision, Canadians and Catholics alike consider the values and visions that will best guide them through the complexities of the modern era. Whether in the halls of Parliament or the sacred chambers of the Vatican, the pursuit of leadership that embodies resilience, compassion, and unity remains a shared aspiration.

Monday April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay – Monday April 28, 2025

Conclave 2025: A Crossroads of Tradition and Change

As the Catholic Church gears up for the 2025 papal conclave, the stakes are exceptionally high. This election follows the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff renowned for his progressive stance on numerous issues and his efforts to globalize the College of Cardinals. The conclave, set to begin on May 7th in the Sistine Chapel, will see 135 cardinal electors participating from 71 countries, reflecting the international diversity championed by Pope Francis.

The conclave will determine whether to continue on the progressive path set by Pope Francis or pivot towards more conservative leadership. This decision will profoundly impact the Church’s stance on critical issues like climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. With a significant number of non-European cardinals, there’s a strong possibility of electing a pope from the Global South, further emphasizing the Church’s worldwide reach and influence. The new pope will need to balance upholding traditional Catholic values with addressing modern challenges, such as declining membership in certain regions and the need for reform within the Church’s bureaucracy.

Analysis: The ‘Papabiles’: Six men who could become the next pope following the papal conclave

Among the leading candidates, Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy stands out as a seasoned diplomat and traditional choice, appealing to those seeking stability. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines is known for his progressive leanings, emphasizing inclusivity and social justice, which resonates with younger, more diverse segments of the Church. Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana is another strong contender, with his leadership in addressing global issues and his African heritage reflecting the Church’s commitment to diversity. Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary is recognized for his conservative theological views, appealing to those who wish to reinforce traditional Catholic doctrines.

The outcome of the conclave is unpredictable, and both media and betting markets are closely watching the proceedings. With security measures in place to ensure the conclave’s integrity, the gravity of this decision for the Church’s future cannot be understated. For further insights into the dynamics of the conclave and potential leaders who could shape the future of the Catholic Church, readers can explore detailed articles on Vatican Conclave 2025 expectations, potential candidates for the next pope, and the stakes of the 2025 papal election.

This editorial cartoon was first published March 7, 2013

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

March 12, 2013 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, March 12, 2013

In final moments before conclave, Cardinal Ouellet makes a call for unity

Canada’s Marc Ouellet and the 114 other elector cardinals enjoyed their last moments of freedom and peace before they disappear Tuesday afternoon into the Vatican’s most hallowed chambers, only to emerge when they have selected the man among them that they judge best suited to guide the battered Catholic Church into a new era.

On Sunday and Monday, cardinals were spotted here and there, some scurrying across St. Peter’s Square, others celebrating masses. At least one was seen walking down the narrow streets just beyond Vatican City, apparently making a quick getaway from the whole mad scene.

The men in the elegant black cassocks, with their red sashes and red caps, are under enormous pressure because there is no obvious front-runner to replace Pope Benedict XVI, who shocked the world when he announced his retirement on Feb. 11, the first pope to do so in almost 600 years. It is likely that some of the cardinals – 24 of whom were appointed just last year and are only now connecting names with faces – still have little idea whom they will endorse.

Cardinal Ouellet was seen in public no fewer than three times since Saturday, twice moving through the vast St. Peter’s Square, where he reportedly elicited little attention, and at Santa Maria in Traspontina church Sunday night, where he celebrated mass before a throng of photographers – but said nothing to the media. Even though the church is no more than a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica, he arrived by car. (Source: Globe & Mail)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

March 7, 2013 by Graeme MacKay

By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday, March 7, 2013

Conservative thinkers dominate those who vote for Pope

It’s unlike any election you’ve ever heard of.

A conclave has no official candidates. There are no parties, no party platforms, no manifestos, no pledges, not even any stump speeches or slogans.

There are also no factory tours, baby kissing, robo-calls and certainly no banners or bunting.
Nevertheless, it is an election. And all elections cause division and consternation. But speaking of “factions” within the Cardinals of the Catholic Church has lost much of its meaning.

The College of Cardinals for the upcoming conclave will be composed of 115 electors (as of this writing).

That’s 115 men from diverse parts of the world, with their own nuanced values, and their own concepts of spiritual and temporal leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.
That said, John Paul II and Benedict XVI stacked the deck.

Between them, the last two popes appointed every cardinal who will vote in the conclave.

As both popes could reasonably be described as doctrinal conservatives, it means a certain form of orthodoxy, some might say rigidity, exists amongst those who will soon cast their ballots into the golden urn.

Many of the cardinals are undoubtedly dynamic, extraordinarily articulate and deeply reasoned men. Some have highly developed thoughts on the future of the Church around the world.
But given the complexity of geographic, linguistic and experiential differences amongst those within the College of Cardinals, no singular visions appear to have come to the fore. (Source: CBC News)