Pope Francis Leaves Behind an Unrestricted but Divided Catholic Church – The Vatican’s Next Steps

An institution like the Catholic Church, which is over 2,000 years old and has seen 266 leadership changes, knows how to manage events such as a Pope’s passing. However, while the steps that follow are strictly dictated by tradition, the atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the departing Pope. As reported by Skynews, when Francis ascended to the papacy, there was no Pope to mourn. His predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to resign in 600 years. There were no tearful crowds outside the Basilica, no televised mourning—only speculation about why a Pope felt unable to continue his role. The sudden death of Pope Francis spared both him and the faithful the prolonged decline experienced by Pope John Paul II before his death in 2005. When his death was announced late on April 2nd evening, St. Peter’s Square was already filled with mourners and journalists awaiting the inevitable. These differing circumstances alter when and how people confront the central question on everyone’s mind—where will the Church go next? Pope Francis was more inclusive than progressive. The word ‘Catholic’ means universal, a reminder of the challenge every Pope faces—leading a global congregation of 1.4 billion people with varying ideas about whether and how change should occur. Global demographics within Catholicism are rapidly shifting. Most Popes have historically come from Europe, home to only 20% of the world’s Catholics, though their numbers are declining. Africa and Latin America are where Catholicism is growing. Pope Francis was acutely aware of this trend. While often described as progressive, a more accurate term for his papacy might be ‘inclusive.’ He ensured voices from the Global South would be stronger in the conclave, although many of these regions hold more traditional views on issues like LGBTQ+ rights, an area where he tried to soften the Church’s stance. The legacy of Francis in shaping the College of Cardinals does not guarantee they will follow his path on any issue. Even reformers like Francis were elected by conclaves chosen by two very conservative predecessors. A divided Church in divisive times, Pope Francis leaves behind a Church split in an era marked globally by division, as we recently witnessed in several national elections opting for political change. Soon, we will see if the conclave follows this trend.