Yes. It does. And a lot.

I am Catholic, and although I don’t have a plaque on my forehead or a collection of rosaries in my bag (I do have one, though), faith is not just a “ritual on Sundays.” It is what is inside me, what I return to when all other supports in life slip. And the Pope is not just the head of the Church. He is a father. A mentor. A symbol. In a sense, a spiritual guide.

That is why, when it comes to the next pontificate, I suddenly feel a little like I am on an exam: “What will our next teacher be like? What is his character like? Is he gentle or strict? Does he listen or talk?” Will he be understandable or will he go back into philosophical fogs?

For some reason, it seems to me more and more that the next Pope will be Matteo Zuppi. Not because I know Vatican politics (I can hardly remember how many cardinals there are in the Congregation for Bishops), but because he seems alive. Real. He has this special light in his eyes - you probably know when a person speaks, and you feel that he speaks not for the sake of words, but because his heart is there, inside the topic. He is not afraid to smile. And he is not afraid to talk about pain.

He has work with peacekeeping missions behind him, he did not just sit in offices. And if you watch his interviews - he knows how to speak simply, humanly. Without feigned importance. He is about mercy, about listening, about dialogue. And at the same time - without losing the meaning. This is a rare combination, you know - to be kind, but not weak.

It seems to me that Zuppi is one of those who can pronounce this phrase not only with words, but also with a look, with presence. And this is the main thing. Especially in a world where we all get a little lost in correspondence, in searches, in news feeds and within ourselves.

Of course, perhaps everything will go differently. Perhaps the conclave will surprise. It happens. It would be strange to live in a world where everything is predictable. There are strong candidates from Latin America, from Asia - and this, by the way, would also be a powerful signal: the Catholic Church is not only Rome, not only Europe. It is everywhere. It is where there are people.

But still... if I had to write a name on a piece of paper, closing my eyes and praying - I would write: Matteo Zuppi.

Not because he is perfect. But because he is alive. And now we all so lack living people, especially in places where important decisions are made. Those who are not afraid to listen. Those who speak not from above, but nearby. Those who can say: "You are not alone" - and you will believe.

And then - as God wills.

And who do you think will be the new Pope?

Lana Banana