In what is now sparking intense global debate, a Dutch Cardinal has revealed what he described as “non-negotiable rules” regarding gay and homosexual practices that the incoming pope must strictly uphold.
Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, a leading conservative figure in the Catholic Church, disclosed during an exclusive interview with an Italian media house that any pope elected to succeed Pope Francis must be ready to reject pressures from liberal groups pushing for inclusion of same-sex unions and gender fluid ideologies within the Church.
According to Cardinal Müller, the Church is at a crossroads and the next pontiff must be guided by sacred doctrine, not public opinion or modern cultural shifts. He warned against the influence of gay rights activists and called for a decisive return to the foundational values of the Church.
“There are eternal truths that cannot be altered,” the Cardinal said. “The next pope must protect the sanctity of the Church’s teachings, especially on marriage, sexuality, and gender, regardless of external pressures.”
He further stated that the Church’s doctrine is clear—that marriage is a sacrament strictly between a man and a woman—and must never be diluted or redefined to accommodate modern trends. Müller emphasized that these “secret rules,” rooted in scripture and tradition, are to serve as a spiritual compass for the next pope.
The remarks come just days after the death of Pope Francis, as cardinals from across the globe assemble in the Vatican for the highly anticipated conclave. The global Catholic community watches with keen interest, as the election of a new pope is expected to shape the direction of the Church for decades to come.
The cardinal's comments have ignited passionate responses from both traditional and progressive Catholic circles, highlighting deep ideological divisions within the faith.
A prominent Dutch cardinal has urged the incoming pope to stand firm on traditional Catholic doctrines and resist pressure from what he described as “gay and homosexual agitators.”
Speaking in an interview with an Italian newspaper, Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to reject liberal ideologies that challenge its long-standing teachings. He stressed that the Church must remain rooted in its doctrinal foundation, particularly regarding issues such as same-sex marriage and gender identity.
"The doctrine of the Church does not belong to the pope, bishops, or lay faithful—it belongs to Jesus Christ," Cardinal Müller said. "It is not to be adjusted to accommodate societal trends or personal preferences."
He cautioned that heresies and ideologies contrary to Church teachings are gradually infiltrating the institution, and the next pontiff must be prepared to defend the faith without compromise.
Cardinal Müller, a known conservative voice within the Vatican, reiterated that the sacrament of holy matrimony, as instituted by Jesus, is reserved for unions between a man and a woman. He strongly opposed any attempt to equate same-sex unions with Church-sanctioned marriages, calling such efforts a deviation from the faith.
His comments come in the wake of the recent death and burial of Pope Francis. The College of Cardinals has since gathered in Rome for the conclave—a closed-door session to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The global Catholic community remains in prayerful anticipation of the announcement of the new pope.
