Who is Raymond Burke, the American cardinal supported by Trump as Pope Francis' successor?
Following Pope Francis' passing, the Catholic Church enters the process of choosing a new pope. Raymond Leo Burke, an influential American cardinal with ultraconservative views, could be a leading contender despite his past criticism of Pope Francis.
Since he was hospitalized on February 14 for pneumonia, whispers within the Catholic Church about potential successors to Pope Francis began circulating. On April 21, Pope Francis' death has left the Catholic Church facing an uncertain future as it begins the process of selecting his successor.
Among the potential candidates to take his place is Raymond Leo Burke, a figure who, despite his strong criticism of Pope Francis, could be a key player in determining the Church's next chapter. Burke, known for his ultraconservative views, has long held influential positions within the Church, making his name one to watch during the papal election process.
Who is Raymond Leo Burke, the American Cardinal supported by Trump?
Raymond Leo Burke, born in Richland Center, Wisconsin in 1948. In terms of his personal life, Burke is the youngest of six siblings and was ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, at the age of 26 by Pope Paul VI.
After two decades of service, he was appointed bishop of La Crosse by Pope John Paul II in January 1995, according to the specialized outlet Aciprensa. His commitment led to his appointment as archbishop of St. Louis, Missouri, in December 2003. Seven years later, in November 2010, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, a position that allows him to ascend to the papacy.
Pope Francis left a significant mark in the United States, becoming the third pope to visit the country after John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
In 2016, Burke supported Donald Trump in USA elections, when Pope Francis was criticising the president's plans to build a wall in the southern border with Mexico. Additionally, he supported the Republican, saying he was "defending the values of the church".
Raymond Burke is one of the cardinals to lead the Vatican, after Pope Francis death. It remarks his conservative profile, and long trajectory around the Church, and also to be "Donald Trump's candidate".
Burke has ultraconservative views of the Church, opposing Pope Francis liberal ideas. Photo: LR composition/AFP.
Raymond Burke. A strong critic of Pope Francis
While he is seen as a potential successor to Pope Francis, Burke has been one of the pope's harshest critics. In fact, he was evicted from his Vatican apartment and has his salary revoked due to his consistent criticism of the Argentine pope.
His ultraconservative ideology never went unnoticed. Looking back on his history, while serving as the archbishop of St. Louis, he excommunicated three women who participated in a purported priestly ordination in November 2007, defending his actions by stating he was fulfilling his "solemn duty", as his privilege is explicitly reserved for men within the Catholic Church.
Burke has historically opposed the Vatican's stance on homosexuality, and has also criticised Catholics who have divorced and remarried. The American cardinal has criticised Catholic politicians who supported abortion legalization, such as John Kerry and Joe Biden, suggesting they should not receive the Eucharist.
He was also investigated for his possible involvement in a smear campaign against Pope Francis in Rome by the BBC, through no evidence was found. These controversies led Pope Francis to consider Burke a source of "division" within the Church, resulting in the unprecedented removal of his cardinal privileges, such as housing and salary.