In an extraordinary twist to an unusual story, on the second day of the conclave, the Vatican elected a new pope. This outcome followed the voting of 133 cardinals from 71 countries. The iconic sight of white smoke billowing from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel confirmed the decision, marking a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church and its global community. The new pope’s pompous coronation is likely to happen within days after his ascension.
The election comes at a critical time for the Church. It has been profoundly influenced by the leadership of Pope Francis. Yet his papacy has indeed represented a radical turning of the Church’s focus away from them. It has largely corrected out of touch cultural issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gender roles, and contraception. Instead, Pope Francis emphasized advocacy for the world’s poor, displaced persons, and those in need, establishing a mission rooted in altruism.
The newly elected pope will have to work with this reshaped vision and lead the Church in a new, unpredictable, and at times dangerous age. America’s largest Christian denomination is going through a historic moment of turmoil. To be successful, he needs to reflect the same values formed by his predecessor while addressing new challenges still facing the Church. In his last few years, Pope Francis has taken a more political turn. He was a fierce champion for the rights of migrants and refugees, and for peace in conflict zones, even recently calling for a ceasefire in the current Israel-Hamas war. His incendiary proposal called for Ukraine to make peace with Russia on unfavorable terms. This was a significant development during his papacy.
With 2025 approaching as a jubilee year for the Church, an occasion heralded by Pope John Paul II 25 years ago, the new pope will oversee a busy schedule of Vatican-organized events. This year of jubilee intends to commemorate the deep-rooted celebration of that faith. It provides an opportunity for renewal and reflection in the Church.
Yet the positive legacy of Pope Francis faces significant challenges. The still-unresolved scandal of child sexual abuse in the Church has continued to hang over leadership, like a dark cloud. Whoever becomes cardinal electors of the new pope will undoubtedly be under intense public and media examination. Throughout his tenure, he’ll need to address residual hurts that, for decades, have compromised the Church’s image and calling.
The recent conclave and subsequent election demonstrate the complexities of leading a global institution steeped in tradition while responding to contemporary societal issues. The elected pope now carries the weight of addressing these challenges while fostering a spirit of unity and compassion among Catholics worldwide.
