A prominent conservative figure within the Catholic Church has issued a strong warning against what he describes as “ideological lobbies,” including the so-called “gay lobby,” ahead of the upcoming vote to select a new Pope.
German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, known for his criticism of the late Pope Francis, called for a return to traditional Church teachings and urged that the next pontiff be firmly grounded in doctrine and prepared to resist growing liberal influences.
In an interview with Italy’s La Stampa, Cardinal Müller emphasized that the new Pope must possess a “solid theological and doctrinal foundation” and be willing to confront what he sees as rising threats of “heresy” and “gender ideology.”
“Doctrine does not belong to the Pope, the bishops, or the faithful,” he stated. “It must align with the words of Jesus. No one has the authority to alter it. If Jesus says marriage is between a man and a woman, that doctrine cannot be changed.”
The cardinal also rejected any attempts to equate same-sex unions with traditional marriage, asserting that such views “completely contradict biblical doctrine.”
His comments come as cardinals from around the world convene in Rome behind closed doors to finalize the date for the next conclave, now scheduled to begin on May 7.
This development follows just days after the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away last week at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure.