Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, hailing from the vibrant port city of Marseille, France, has garnered attention as a potential successor to Pope Francis. Over the years, he has earned the endearing nickname “John XXIV,” which nods to his physical resemblance to the beloved Pope John XXIII, celebrated for his progressive vision. Supporters believe this nickname could symbolize Aveline’s future role in the church.
Jean-François Colosimo, a theologian and longtime acquaintance, emphasizes Aveline's ability to bridge the gap between various ideologies, stating, “He is neither a progressive nor a conservative, but someone who can talk, listen, and build bridges.” At 66, Aveline recently became the head of the French bishops’ conference and has spent a considerable part of his career advocating for interfaith dialogue in his multicultural hometown.
While he may not be the most conventional candidate, Aveline's synthesis of Pope Francis’ ethos of openness with a solid theological foundation makes him a compelling choice. However, notable obstacles may hinder his candidacy; Aveline’s lack of familiarity with the Vatican's inner workings and limited proficiency in Italian, the operational language of the Vatican, could pose challenges.
Further complicating his potential rise are the historical biases against French candidates, which date back to when a French pope relocated the papacy to Avignon in the 14th century. Despite this, supporters remain hopeful that Cardinal Aveline's inclusive approach could resonate broadly within the College of Cardinals, possibly setting the stage for a transformative leadership era in the Catholic Church.
