The St. Gallen Mafia Explained

The St. Gallen Mafia refers to a coalition of influential cardinals and bishops formed in the 1990s who aimed to promote progressive agendas within the Catholic Church, particularly during the papacy of Pope Francis. Originating in St. Gallen, Switzerland, the group believed that the election of Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, was detrimental to their goals. They actively sought to ensure the election of Jorge Bergoglio, resulting in the establishment of a more liberal leadership under Pope Francis. This group has been characterized as pushing for reforms aligned with modernity and progressive ideologies that diverge from traditional Catholic values.