Sunrise Show Prep May 8

Cardinal Sarah: A Beacon of Tradition and a Papal Hope

May 08, 2025

Cardinal Sarah: A Beacon of Tradition and a Papal Hope

As a traditional Catholic, I find myself drawn to the towering figure of Cardinal Robert Sarah, a man whose life and ministry embody the timeless truths of our faith. In an era of confusion and compromise, Sarah stands as a clarion voice for orthodoxy, reverence, and the sacredness of Catholic tradition. His potential as a future pope sparks hope in the hearts of those who long for a Church rooted in its eternal mission, yet we must also recognize his enduring impact as a shepherd, regardless of whether he ever wears the papal tiara.

Born in a remote village in Guinea, Cardinal Sarah’s journey from humble beginnings to the corridors of the Vatican is a testament to God’s providence. His deep faith, forged in the crucible of a missionary upbringing, resonates with traditional Catholics who see in him a defender of the Church’s unchanging doctrine. As Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Sarah championed the beauty of the liturgy, urging a return to reverence in worship. His book, The Power of Silence, is a spiritual masterpiece, calling the faithful to encounter God in stillness and to resist the noise of modernity. For traditionalists, his emphasis on the sacredness of the Mass—particularly his advocacy for ad orientem worship—offers a corrective to the casual liturgies that have too often diluted Catholic identity.

Sarah’s unwavering commitment to truth makes him a compelling candidate for the papacy. In a world where moral relativism infects even ecclesiastical circles, he speaks with prophetic clarity on issues like marriage, family, and the sanctity of life. His critique of gender ideology and secularism is not mere polemic but a defense of human dignity grounded in divine order. Unlike those who seek to accommodate the spirit of the age, Sarah reminds us that the Church’s mission is to transform the world, not conform to it. His African heritage also positions him to bridge the global Church, uniting the vibrant faith of the Global South with the historical roots of European Catholicism.

As pope, Cardinal Sarah could restore a sense of sacredness to a Church battered by scandal and division. His leadership would likely prioritize doctrinal clarity, liturgical renewal, and a robust defense of Catholic moral teaching. Traditional Catholics, who cherish the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and the Church’s rich patrimony, would find in him a pontiff who understands their longing for continuity with the past. His global perspective, coupled with his fidelity to tradition, could inspire a new evangelization, rooted not in novelty but in the timeless beauty of the Gospel.

Yet, we must acknowledge that Sarah’s election is a longshot. The conclave’s dynamics are unpredictable, and his uncompromising stance may not resonate with all cardinals. But this should not dim our admiration. Like Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who profoundly shaped the Church through his writings and leadership long before becoming Benedict XVI, Sarah’s influence transcends the papacy. His books, homilies, and witness already guide countless souls. Even if he never ascends to the Chair of Peter, Cardinal Sarah remains a giant voice in the Church, calling us to holiness, silence, and fidelity to Christ’s unchanging truth.

MORNING SHOW GUESTS:

6:05 AM - INTERVIEW: JOSH MERCER - Editor of The Loop at CatholicVote and Co-host of The LOOPcast

7:05 AM - INTERVIEW - VICTORIA COBB - Family Foundation on her group providing legal counsel to the boys in the Loudoun locker room incident

7:35 AM - INTERVIEW - RAYMOND ARROYO - EWTN in Rome on the conclave

8:05 AM - INTERVIEW - KT MCFARLAND on Bessent’s upcoming China meeting and Houthis quit fighting

8:35 AM - INTERVIEW - SEN. RAND PAUL - R-KY on Trump’s Gain of Function executive order

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