Cardinal Sarah replaced by the Pope

Pope Francis will address a conservative-leaning Rome higher education body later this month, replacing Cardinal Robert Sarah who had been due to preside at the event, writes Christopher Lamb. On 27 October Francis is to speak at the inauguration of the new academic year at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family, part of a higher education network known for its combative approach to euthanasia, abortion and contraception. It is a sign of growing tensions between Francis and his liturgy chief, who was reprimanded by the Pope in the summer after he called on priests to celebrate Mass ad orientem­ ­– facing east, away from the people.  

A few months ago, the Pope appointed Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia to be chancellor of the John Paul II institute. He asked Archbishop Paglia to ensure that pro-life issues are “ever more clearly inscribed within the horizon of mercy” and ensure “a pastoral perspective and attention to the wounds of humanity.”

In an interview promoting his new book, La Force du Silence last week Cardinal Sarah again emphasised the importance of priests saying Mass facing ad Dominum – “towards the Lord.”