This Latin American Cardinal is known for his wide range of experience. In the 1980’s and early 1990’s he was secretary and president of CELAM – the conference that groups Latin American bishops.
He played a major role in helping the South American churches avoid controversial liberation theology. As a reward for his great works, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome in 1996 and gave him head position of a powerful Congregation for the Clergy, which deals with Priests all over the globe.
4) Godfried Danneels – Belgian
DOB: 04/06/1933
The Archbishop of Brussels is famous for preaching and has been leading a great drive to revive the Catholic Church in European cities.
He made controversial comments when he urged Vatican officials to allow women to hold top posts that are traditionally held by Cardinals, and that condoms could be used to fight HIV/Aids. He also has been an advocate to allow local bishops to have a greater say in the running of the Catholic Church.
Despite at times being controversial he has played a key role in Vatican Synods over the past decade, and can speak in Dutch, English, French and Italian.
5) Ivan Dias – Indian
DOB: 14/04/1936
Born in Bombay but has spent most of his life serving as a Church diplomat outside of India. He did, however, return to become the Archbishop of Bombay in 1997.
He served as a junior diplomat in Scandinavia, Indonesia and Madagascar, as well as holding senior posts in Ghana, South Korea and Albania. In addition he has run the Vatican desk that is responsible for relations with the Communist world and parts of Africa.
Dias is also competent in Hindi, English, Italian, French and Spanish.
6) Claudio Hummes – Brazilian
DOB: 08/08/0934
The Archbishop of Sao Paolo has profusely refused to allow himself be considered as progressive or conservative.
Hummes has been recognised for speaking out for the poor and for human rights, and is considered as having a sound theological and biblical understanding. He has expressed that the poor should cared for out of concern dictated by the gospel and not from political ideologies.
