Habemus papam! But once the white smoke fades and the crowds disperse, the new pontiff will find himself standing at the helm of a profoundly complex institution facing numerous urgent challenges. From internal divisions and global conflicts to moral controversies and institutional reforms, the issues awaiting him are incredibly complex.
The new pope’s honeymoon will be brief, and the expectations enormous. So, what are some of the stressful challenges that the pontiff will need to address soon after he takes office? Click through this gallery to find out.