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Cardinals at crossroads: A clash over Pope Francis’ legacy

Babul Hossain
                                       Published by: Sunday, 18 May, 2025, 9:20 am
Cardinals at crossroads: A clash over Pope Francis’ legacy

As 133 Cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect the 267th Pope, the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads.

Will the next pontiff carry forward Pope Francis’ bold reforms, or steer toward a more traditional, unifying path? The choice will shape the Church’s future in a rapidly changing world.

Francis’ 12-year papacy was a seismic shift. He championed a “poor church for the poor,” welcomed LGBTQ Catholics as “children of God,” and opened doors for remarried divorcees to receive communion.

His push for women’s roles, critiques of economic injustice, and environmental advocacy stirred global attention—but also sparked resistance from conservative factions and some bishops, reports CNN.

The outpouring of grief following Francis’ death underscores his impact.

At his funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s homily praising Francis’ vision drew applause in St Peter’s Square, while 300,000 attended a memorial Mass in East Timor.

“The people of God have voted for continuity,” retired Cardinal Walter Kasper told La Repubblica.

Yet, the conclave reveals a divide. Some Cardinals, like Germany’s Reinhard Marx and Luxembourg’s Jean-Claude Hollerich, advocate for a reformist pope to advance Francis’ synodal vision, emphasising diversity and global outreach.

Others, including Cardinal Gerhard Müller, who called Francis’ era “divisive,” push for “unity”—a code for a less disruptive, doctrine-focused approach. Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster suggested a “balancing up” without altering core teachings.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s diplomatic Secretary, emerges as a “unity” frontrunner.

His mild-mannered style contrasts with Francis’ dynamic engagement, and critics note his lack of grassroots experience, evident in a lacklustre homily to 200,000 youth post-funeral.

Supporters, including retired Cardinal Beniamino Stella, value his steady hand, though Stella’s recent critique of Francis’ lay governance reforms stunned some.

On the reformist side, names like Cardinal Mario Grech, who leads the synod office, and the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, tied to frontline missions, are gaining traction.

Cardinal Michael Czerny, a Francis ally, warns that prioritising unity risks “uniformity—the kiss of death.” True catholicity, he argues, embraces pluralism.

Francis reshaped the College of Cardinals, appointing diverse voices from places like Myanmar, where Cardinal Charles Bo calls for a pope to “pursue peace” and unite religions against global crises.

With many Cardinals unfamiliar with each other, wearing name badges at pre-conclave meetings in the Paul VI hall, and dining in Borgo Pio trattorias, the discussions are intense and unpredictable.

The conclave isn’t just about choosing a pope—it’s a referendum on Francis’ legacy. Will the Church lean into his vision of a diverse, outward-looking faith, or retreat to safer, more uniform ground?

As the world watches for white smoke, the Cardinals’ votes will echo far beyond the Vatican.

Bangladesh announce ODI squad for Sri Lanka series, Naim returns after 2 years

Munna Khan
Published by: Wednesday, 25 June, 2025, 2:42 pm
   
Bangladesh announce ODI squad for Sri Lanka series, Naim returns after 2 years

Bangladesh have announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, with left-handed opener Mohammad Naim making a return to the national setup after more than two years.

Right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed also returns from injury.

Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain announced the squad on Monday at a press conference held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

The three-match series will begin on 2 July in Colombo. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was recently appointed as the ODI captain, will lead the side for the first time in the format.

Naim, 25, was rewarded for his strong domestic form. He scored 618 runs in 11 matches in the recently concluded Dhaka Premier League, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-getter.

He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who is yet to fully recover from a recurring back injury.

Taskin Ahmed’s inclusion will boost Bangladesh’s pace options. The fast bowler missed recent assignments due to fitness issues but has returned to full training.

The ODI series will follow the conclusion of the ongoing Test series. The second Test is set to begin on 25 June in Colombo.

Bangladesh squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman.

Honda launches City e:HEV in Bangladesh

Munna Rahman
Published by: Tuesday, 24 June, 2025, 10:48 am
   
Honda launches City e:HEV in Bangladesh

DHS Motors Limited, the official distributor of Honda in Bangladesh, has recently launched the Honda City e:HEV at the Honda Showroom in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The Honda City e:HEV features a 1500cc hybrid engine. The vehicle comes equipped with a leather interior, rear AC controls, and other features. All of this is put together in a body bigger, wider, and higher than the national favorite Toyota Premio, according to a press release by DHS Motors.

All but 3 political parties agree on term limit of PM: Ali Riaz

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Published by: Monday, 23 June, 2025, 8:09 am
   
All but 3 political parties agree on term limit of PM: Ali Riaz

Most political parties have agreed that no individual should serve as prime minister for more than 10 years in their career, except for three including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), professor Ali Riaz, vice-president of the National Consensus Commission said on Sunday.

“After lengthy discussions, we reached a clear position that a person cannot remain prime minister for more than 10 years. However, we have yet to reach full consensus as three parties opposed the proposal and asked for reconsideration,” he stated.

Professor Ali Riaz made these comments today after the second round of talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties at the Foreign Service Academy on Bailey Road in the capital.

Speaking about the discussions with political parties, he said, “We focused on two main topics throughout the day: the term limit of the prime minister and the fundamental principles of the constitution.”

On the term limit issue, Ali Riaz said most parties agreed on a 10-year cap, but BNP, NDM, and BLDP differed, requesting further discussion after internal consultations. These parties argued that this issue is linked with other matters, particularly the formation of the NCC and the structure of the upper house.

Regarding the second discussion point, Ali Riaz mentioned that the Constitutional Reform Commission had presented a proposal on the constitution and the state’s guiding principles.

Taking into account the sentiments and positions of various parties, the consensus commission will prepare a final proposal emphasising equality, human dignity, social justice, and democracy, he added.

Ali Riaz also said that the meetings were adjourned for the next two days at the request of political parties so they can discuss these matters at their policymaking levels.

“We hope this break will help resolve the remaining unresolved issues,” he added.

Today’s discussion with the National Consensus Commission aimed to conclude previously unfinished talks and included 30 political parties such as BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Islami Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad, and Ganosamhati Andolan.

Moderated by the chief adviser’s special assistant Monir Haidar, commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, and Mohammad Ayub Mia, were also present at the meeting.