A completely unknown cardinal in the Orthodox world has taken the throne of Rome just a few hours ago, raising reasonable questions across the Christian East. Chief among them: what are his intentions for the future of Rome–New Rome relations and the broader Orthodox world?
Very few people in Rome had been discussing the name of Cardinal Prevost in recent days. Even fewer—or rather none, to be precise—had so much as accidentally mentioned the American cardinal’s name. The reason is simple: no one knows him.
The new Pope is truly a tabula rasa for the Orthodox, who are now entering a new chapter in their relationship with the elder Rome. Just when everything seemed set for a common Easter, joint celebrations of the First Ecumenical Council, and a deeper tightening of ties, Rome and New Rome must now reintroduce themselves.
It is likely that one of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s first actions will be to meet the new Pontiff—and soon. The enthronement of Pope Leo, expected to take place this coming weekend, presents an opportunity the Patriarch is unlikely to pass up. In recent days, he has sent multiple personal signals to Rome, urging that the progress made in recent years should not be allowed to fade.
Despite positive rhetoric surrounding East–West relations, the truth is that they are not at their best. A small flame is enough to keep them alive—just as a single misstep or indifferent stance could extinguish them altogether.
For now, and until we learn the new Pontiff’s stance toward the Orthodox world, perhaps Habent papam is more fitting for the moment. Hopefully, his approach will soon allow us to say Habemus too.
