Cardinal Camillo Ruini, turning 95, hails John Paul II as top pope in Corriere della Sera interview. Critiques Francis, praises Meloni, reflects on vocation and Church crises.
Newsroom (20/02/2026 Gaudium Press ) Cardinal Camillo Ruini, marking his 95th birthday, delivered a candid and expansive interview to Corriere della Sera on February 19, reflecting on six decades of Church history, his personal struggles, and sharp assessments of popes and politicians. The retired Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome (1991-2008) and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (1991-2007) spoke with journalist Aldo Grasso, blending intimate revelations with firm theological stands.
Priestly Vocation and Personal Sacrifices
Ruini recounted a straightforward path to the priesthood rooted in his devout upbringing. Finishing high school, his spiritual director gently suggested considering the priesthood; Ruini embraced the idea instinctively, finding the dedication to God exciting despite family opposition—though his sister offered support. Celibacy brought real challenges: “To be honest, I fell in love, or perhaps better, I was attracted to a woman more than once,” he admitted, recalling at least three or four episodes over his long life. With God’s help, he always resisted, though the sacrifices weighed heavily; he never contemplated leaving the priesthood.
Enduring Admiration for John Paul II
Ruini unreservedly named John Paul II (1978–2005) as his favorite pope and the greatest among 20th-century giants like Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, and Benedict XVI. The Polish saint stood out for exceptional intelligence—reading two books simultaneously, the harder one himself and the easier one read aloud—and profound kindness, akin to Saint Teresa of Calcutta. John Paul II emerged as a “true world leader,” fostering a close bond with Ruini, who enjoyed his trust; the pope called him often and valued his frankness on issues like opposing communism’s “historical compromise” and pushing new evangelization against secularization.
Assessments of Recent Popes
Benedict XVI (2005–2013) earned praise as a great theologian, but Ruini critiqued his governance as a weakness; his 2013 resignation stunned and saddened the cardinal, whom he deemed a mistake, though he refrained from harsh judgment. Pope Francis (2013–2025) posed difficulties: “The change was too great and too sudden. I was less disappointed than surprised.” Ruini highlighted Francis’s great courage alongside insufficient respect for tradition, noting it was no coincidence he seemed more beloved by non-believers than believers; a full verdict remains premature given the pontificate’s complex mix of positives and negatives. Ruini’s early audience with Pope Leo XIV left a “very good” impression: “I am happy to have this Pope.”
Post-Conciliar Crises and Church Future
Enthused by Vatican II, Ruini firmly distinguished it from the ensuing crisis that questioned dogmas like Christ’s divinity and sexual morality; he opposed these deviations resolutely. Today, he acknowledges an undeniable faith crisis in the West, urging much prayer as the primary response to rekindle faith’s light. Long-term, he stays optimistic about Christianity’s future. On Medjugorje, as former commission president, he affirmed the first seven apparitions as authentic—truly Our Lady—while later ones grew confusing, possibly suggestions rather than visions.
Political Figures in Ruini’s View
Ruini viewed Silvio Berlusconi (1936–2023) and current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni positively, despite Berlusconi’s “problematic” lifestyle, which he likened laconically to John F. Kennedy’s hidden faults. Berlusconi’s politics proved crucial in halting communism, birthing Italy’s two-party system, and resisting secularism’s threat to Church values. Meloni impressed “extremely positively” both politically and personally; they share friendship. US President Donald Trump drew sharper rebuke: disrupting global politics, pursuing a questionable path, and showing unscrupulousness.
Conclave Memories and Legacy
A papal contender after John Paul II’s death, Ruini described the 2005 conclave cautiously: no real alternatives emerged, with a positive atmosphere post-funeral at the height of Church prestige. His Sistine Chapel oath under Michelangelo’s judging Christ remains a vivid shock. This reflective interview underscores Ruini’s unwavering fidelity, intellectual rigor, and hopeful vision amid Church trials.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Corriere della Sera
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