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German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, a prominent critic of the late Pope Francis, expressed hope on Thursday that the new pope would reverse some of the progressive policies championed by Francis, particularly in regard to dialogue with Muslims.
Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Müller suggested that dialogue with Muslims could be pursued "on the level of reason," noting that while Muslims share some natural ethical principles and believe in God, the question remains how those who believe in God can justify killing in His name, apparently referencing Islamist extremism.
While Müller emphasized his support for dialogue, he stressed the need to avoid "any form of relativism." He is part of a conservative faction within the Church that has long argued that excessive tolerance toward other religions risks diluting Catholic faith.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, was a strong advocate for interfaith dialogue, including with Islam, and supported greater openness toward marginalized groups, such as homosexuals. This stance led to backlash from conservative members of the Church, particularly after he authorized blessings for same-sex couples in 2023.
Müller expressed hope that the new pope, to be chosen in the coming weeks, would reverse Francis' approach to LGBT issues. He argued that the new pope must firmly uphold the Catholic teaching on marriage and avoid any relativization of it.
Müller also criticized Pope Francis' doctrinal approach, suggesting that while Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy was marked by "theological clarity," Francis' strength lay more in the "social sphere."
