Wed May 07 15:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Cardinal Sarah: Outspoken Critic of Pope Francis Remains Influential Figure

**PARIS** – Cardinal Robert Sarah, a prominent conservative voice within the Catholic Church, continues to exert significant influence despite his retirement. The 79-year-old Guinean cardinal, once the youngest bishop in the world, has become known for his outspoken criticism of Pope Francis, particularly regarding the Pope’s more progressive stances.

Sarah’s recent pronouncements highlight a complex relationship with his native Africa. While praising African bishops for their doctrinal clarity, he has controversially criticized certain liturgical styles as “too ordinary and too noisy, too African and not Christian enough,” sparking debate across the continent.

His career, marked by a rapid ascent through the Vatican ranks under Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, saw him serve in key positions including the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. His appointment as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship under Pope Francis, while seemingly a promotion, was widely interpreted as an attempt to curtail his influence.

Since retiring in 2021, Sarah, who has been based in France, has remained a vocal critic, notably condemning Pope Francis’ decisions on blessings for same-sex unions and restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass. He continues to be a favored figure among traditionalist Catholics and conservative media. His continued influence underscores the ongoing tensions within the Catholic Church between conservative and progressive factions.

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