At the same time, the Catholic Church is preparing for a huge shift following Pope Francis’s departure. Cardinals are already in conversations, focusing on the top qualities they want to see in the next pontiff. Elected in 2013, Pope Francis was elected because he was seen as able to tolerate disorder and bring about the necessary reforms to the Church. His legacy has much further redefined the leadership landscape, most notably in his selection of cardinals from the Global South. The next extraordinary synod will be critical in determining the Church’s path as it continues to face difficult social and doctrinal cross currents.
Pope Francis has made his 10-year papacy a radical one by taking progressive positions on a whole host of social justice issues. Yet he is almost always met with opposition when he attempts to bring about basic doctrinal change. His impact on the Church’s understandings of the leadership structure has been deeply impactful. Almost 80 percent of the cardinals eligible to vote in the next conclave were appointed during his papacy. This change has further diversified clerical leadership, aiming to better represent the global demographics of the faith, often centering voices from the Global South.
A Legacy of Change and Representation
When Pope Francis was first elected pope, he famously cracked a joke to the cardinals. He quipped that they had traveled “to the ends of the earth”—his native home—to select their new leader. His election signaled a unique opportunity for the Church. He quickly became one of the US’s most powerful voices for human rights and anti-corruption, particularly in Latin America. He works tenaciously on issues of social equity, climate change, and migration reform. These concerns speak to the heart of so many in the American Church right now.
Pope Francis’s high-profile advocacy for various progressive social agendas and causes. His admirable vision didn’t necessarily transform into concrete changes in Church doctrine. Liberal factions inside the Church are angry over same-sex marriage among other topics. They are further incensed by the treatment of women in Church matters. His 2023 ruling only upheld blessings for same-sex couples under narrow circumstances. This decision illuminates the fault line between progressive goals and doctrinal conservatism.
“Francis was chosen because he would not have been afraid to create chaos and reform. The next pontiff must be someone who can calm things down.” – Andrea Gagliarducci
The next pope will face the challenge of balancing these diverse expectations while maintaining unity within the Church. Massimo Franco emphasizes this need for inclusivity: “We must move towards a pope who finds unity in the diversity of the Church, maintains love for the poor, attention for the most marginalized, but who also rebuilds, and not restores, the governing institutions of the Church.”
Navigating Difficult Times
It would not be the first time that throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was willing to tackle thorny questions. He was unafraid to attack political movements that went against the Christian political experience, like using his opposition to the Christian US-Mexico border wall. His claim that erecting walls rather than bridges was “not Christian” resonated with millions. They stood up for humanitarian, welcoming approaches to migration and social integration.
In addition, Pope Francis’s innovative way of communicating has earned him widespread admiration, even on secular platforms. He’s skillfully steered discussions away from the Church’s own abusive scandals and financial shenanigans. His approach tried to encourage discussion and transparency, while at the same time exposing fear and resentment that runs deep in clerical circles.
Though the Pope’s reform and communication strides are mighty, all the cardinals don’t seem to be on board with the pope’s new progressive agenda. Many clergy protest vehemently in defense of traditional Christian doctrines. In addition, they would likely oppose any dramatic reformation of the curia that any future pontiff attempts to make. This rift represents a daunting task for whoever is selected to guide the Church into its next chapter.
The Future of Catholic Leadership
As cardinals prepare for discussions leading up to the conclave, they will reflect on Pope Francis’s legacy and what it means for their collective future. The next leader will have to maneuver through a confusing environment formed by the policies of Francis as well. Simultaneously, they need to address urgent present-day questions LGBTQ+ global Catholicism.
Yet look closely, and Francis’s appointments are already having an outsize influence. With an increased presence of cardinals from the Global South, coming papal leadership will inevitably present a different Clorox of perspectives. This change is sure to affect how the Church approaches the Christian faith’s engagement with global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
