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A papal legacy -

The Church can’t discuss choosing the next pope without reflecting on the legacy Pope Francis has left behind. His unique style of leadership, his bold reforms, and the challenges he either addressed or left unresolved all create a legacy that the next pontiff will need to build on.

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Simplicity of the papacy -

Pope Francis stood out for his humble lifestyle, choosing modest housing and simple clothing. His personal choices reflected his desire for a Church that prioritizes service and humility over wealth, privilege, or excessive ceremony.

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A focus on mercy over judgment -

Francis emphasized compassion and forgiveness throughout his papacy, urging Catholics to avoid harsh judgments. His message centered on God's mercy, with the aim of making the Church a more welcoming place for those who feel excluded or ashamed.

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A deep concern for the planet -

Through his landmark letters, Pope Francis made caring for the environment a moral issue, calling on everyone (religious or not) to combat climate change and protect the Earth as a shared home for all life.

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Support for the poor and forgotten -

Francis constantly spoke out for the marginalized, including refugees, the homeless, and those suffering under economic injustice. He challenged wealthy nations and institutions to care more for people than profit or political power.

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The death penalty -

Francis updated the Catechism (the official summary of Catholic beliefs and teachings) to state that the death penalty is unacceptable in all cases. The late pope certainly held a broader commitment to the dignity of all human life, even for the condemned.

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Spiritual language -

Francis often used parables, metaphors, and imagery from Scripture in his speeches, reminding the world that the pope is first and foremost a pastor. His leadership was rooted in spirituality, not bureaucracy or ideology.

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Leaving behind a Church still in motion -

Rather than finish every reform, Francis launched processes meant to evolve beyond his lifetime. He focused less on final answers and more on opening space for the Church to grow, listen, and adapt to future generations.

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Bridging a divided Church -

The next pope needs to quickly deal with the growing divide in the Catholic Church, which is being pulled in different directions by both traditional and modern viewpoints after 20 years of very different leadership styles. How well he brings these sides together will play a big role in keeping the Church steady and united.

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Tensions among American Catholics -

The US Catholic Church remains especially divided, with bishops both supporting and condemning Donald Trump. Francis’ legacy left a split flock, so a visit to the United States may be vital early in the new pontiff’s reign.

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Embodying moral diplomacy -

From war in Ukraine, Sudan, and the Middle East to climate and migration, the pope must serve as a global moral figure. His influence can help unite divided nations and protect human rights while avoiding religion becoming a source of conflict.

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A global moral voice -

The next pontiff will be one of the rare global figures with the moral authority to bridge political divisions and inspire people to rise above selfish concerns, while encouraging unity and cooperation in tackling the major challenges we all face together.

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Trump’s presidency -

With Donald Trump holding office in the White House, the new pope must confront a complex political landscape. Francis was outspoken against Trump’s policies, and the next pontiff must decide whether to challenge or diplomatically navigate these issues.

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Unresolved sexual abuse scandal -

The sexual abuse scandal continues to haunt the Church. Francis was slow to react, and survivors still seek justice. The new pope must take firm, transparent action to protect vulnerable populations and rebuild trust worldwide, especially in historically underserved regions.

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A call for accountability -

Organizations such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) have raised concerns that some of the people being considered for the role of pope may have poorly handled past abuse cases. Victims and advocates will be watching closely to see how the new pope deals with these accusations and who he chooses to work with.

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The hidden crisis -

Peter Isely, one of the founders of SNAP, pointed out that reports of abuse in certain parts of the world are only now starting to emerge. Children in Africa, for example, are at particularly high risk within the Catholic Church, and those who try to speak out often face serious backlash and intimidation.

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Reforming Vatican governance -

The next pope must improve Church leadership by including more laypeople and women in decision-making roles. He’ll need to make quick, trusted appointments while shifting away from outdated traditions and toward a structure that better reflects today’s Catholic community.

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A hesitant approach -

Pope Francis, who died at 88, formed commissions to explore women deacons, but took no further action and upheld the ban on women priests. This left behind a mixed and often frustrating legacy on women’s roles in the Catholic Church.

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Advancing women’s roles -

Reformers like Sister Nathalie Becquart insist change is irreversible, yet cultural shifts remain incomplete. The new pope will likely be expected to champion women’s involvement at every level in the Church, ensuring their voices are not merely symbolic but essential to Catholicism’s evolving leadership.

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The Vatican's financial instability -

Despite some progress under Francis, Vatican finances remain deeply troubled, with deficits exceeding US$90 million and a pension shortfall over $700 million. The new pope will need to enforce fiscal discipline and transparency while restoring institutional financial credibility.

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Eradicating corruption -

The scandal involving Cardinal Angelo Becciu (who was convicted of financial crimes in 2022) is an example of these systemic issues. The pope must enforce internal discipline, ensure accountability among cardinals, and show that the Vatican will no longer tolerate mismanagement, cover-ups, or reputational damage from criminal behavior.

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Climate emergency -

The world’s accelerating climate crisis demands that the pope be an ecological leader. He must build upon Francis’ legacy and advocate globally for urgent environmental action, particularly to protect vulnerable communities suffering the harshest consequences.

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Migration debates -

Migration remains a deeply divisive global issue as well. The next pope must defend human dignity while urging political systems to show mercy. His voice could help frame migration not as a crisis, but as a moral imperative rooted in justice.

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LGBTQ+ inclusion -

Pope Francis showed deep care toward LGBTQ+ people, but without changing Church teachings. The next pope must decide whether to keep this careful balance or take clearer positions. His approach will define how welcome sexual and gender minorities feel within Catholicism.

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Facing traditionalist backlash -

Francis’ openness to same-sex blessings and gender diversity angered many conservatives. The new pope must handle potential backlash delicately, uniting the Church while affirming pastoral values that do not compromise foundational Catholic teachings or alienate traditional believers.

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Revisiting priestly celibacy -

The question of priestly celibacy (especially in underserved regions like the Amazon) has also remained unresolved. The new pope must decide whether to allow married priests to alleviate clergy shortages, or uphold celibacy as a universal expectation within the priesthood.

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A 'field hospital' Church -

Francis described the Church as a field hospital. Instead of a gatekeeping institution, he saw it as a place of healing for the wounded. This vision called for outreach to people in pain, even when they live outside traditional Church norms. Followers across the globe will watch attentively to see whether or not the new pontiff will take the same approach.

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Interfaith engagement -

To prevent religion from fueling division, the new pope must pursue meaningful interfaith dialogue. Strengthening ties with Muslim, Jewish, and other religious communities will be crucial for fostering peace, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to human dignity.

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A demanding start -

It is clear that the new head of the Holy See will face immense challenges and will need to practically hit the ground running upon his election. The Church will certainly need a strong guide in an increasingly diverse and complex world.

Sources: (ABC News) (The Guardian) (CBS News) (Reuters) (Britannica)

See also: How a new pope is elected

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