Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Catholic Church is preparing to elect his successor — a pontiff likely to reflect a more centrist or traditionally conservative vision, according to church analysts, according to the New York Post.
With the passing of Pope Francis, the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics are now turning their attention to the future leadership of the Church. Experts predict that the next pope is likely to guide the institution toward the ideological center, after what many describe as a transformative and at times polarizing 12-year papacy.
“Whoever is elected will be of a centrally conservative disposition,” said Serenhedd James, editor of Britain’s Catholic Herald. “After 12 years of Pope Francis ‘stirring things up,’ I think the cardinals will want someone who will take a different, calmer approach.”
According to the Rev. Patrick Mary Briscoe, editor of Our Sunday Visitor, the new pope is expected to emphasize internal church governance and bring “a renewed clarity of doctrine.”
The process to choose Francis’ successor is already underway. A conclave of 120 eligible cardinals — all under the age of 80 — will gather in the Vatican within 20 days of the pope’s death to begin voting. They will hold up to four ballots per day until a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority. If no decision is reached after 30 rounds, the selection narrows to the top two candidates.
Observers note that Francis left a lasting impact on the composition of the College of Cardinals, having appointed many of its current members. Briscoe suggested that this could influence the tone and direction of the election. “The newer cardinals are extremely familiar with each other,” he noted, adding that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, who serves as the college’s dean, may play a significant role behind the scenes due to his longstanding relationships across the church hierarchy.
Though speculation abounds, Vatican watchers have identified several leading contenders. These include cardinals from Africa, Italy, Sri Lanka, and even the United States — a reflection of the global face of Catholicism today. According to Vatican analysts such as Gaetano Masciullo, Edward Pentin, and Diane Montagna of the College of Cardinals Report, potential successors represent a range of theological views, though most are expected to lean toward a more moderate or conservative interpretation of church teachings.
As the Church enters this period of transition, all eyes will be on the Sistine Chapel, where history will again be made under Michelangelo’s frescoes — and where the future direction of the Catholic faith will be decided.
Uzbekistan and China will implement a mutual visa-free travel regime beginning June 1, following the completion of all required internal procedures on both sides, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he will only attend peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part, while the Kremlin remains noncommittal on who will represent Russia.
Russia’s Rosatom has launched the production of key reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the bilateral energy project, Rosatom announced.
The Kremlin on Tuesday addressed the United Nations aviation council's ruling regarding the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, expressing concerns about the investigation's impartiality and reiterating its position on the matter.
China and Brazil have committed to bolstering free trade and multilateralism, signing 20 agreements aimed at deepening their economic and diplomatic ties amid global trade challenges. The deal includes increased Brazilian agricultural exports to China.
Uzbekistan and China will implement a mutual visa-free travel regime beginning June 1, following the completion of all required internal procedures on both sides, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he will only attend peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part, while the Kremlin remains noncommittal on who will represent Russia.
Russia’s Rosatom has launched the production of key reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the bilateral energy project, Rosatom announced.
The Kremlin on Tuesday addressed the United Nations aviation council's ruling regarding the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, expressing concerns about the investigation's impartiality and reiterating its position on the matter.
China and Brazil have committed to bolstering free trade and multilateralism, signing 20 agreements aimed at deepening their economic and diplomatic ties amid global trade challenges. The deal includes increased Brazilian agricultural exports to China.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he will only attend peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part, while the Kremlin remains noncommittal on who will represent Russia.
The Kremlin on Tuesday addressed the United Nations aviation council's ruling regarding the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, expressing concerns about the investigation's impartiality and reiterating its position on the matter.
China and Brazil have committed to bolstering free trade and multilateralism, signing 20 agreements aimed at deepening their economic and diplomatic ties amid global trade challenges. The deal includes increased Brazilian agricultural exports to China.
Families of victims from the Jeju Air crash have filed a criminal complaint against officials and safety personnel, calling for further investigation into the causes of South Korea's deadliest aviation incident.
Lyle and Erik Menendez returned to court in Los Angeles on Tuesday as they push for a reduced sentence in the 1989 murders of their parents, citing new abuse evidence and clean prison records after nearly three decades behind bars.
Uzbekistan and China will implement a mutual visa-free travel regime beginning June 1, following the completion of all required internal procedures on both sides, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry announced.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated he will only attend peace talks in Istanbul if Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part, while the Kremlin remains noncommittal on who will represent Russia.
Russia’s Rosatom has launched the production of key reactor equipment for Uzbekistan’s first small modular nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the bilateral energy project, Rosatom announced.
The Kremlin on Tuesday addressed the United Nations aviation council's ruling regarding the 2014 downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, expressing concerns about the investigation's impartiality and reiterating its position on the matter.
China and Brazil have committed to bolstering free trade and multilateralism, signing 20 agreements aimed at deepening their economic and diplomatic ties amid global trade challenges. The deal includes increased Brazilian agricultural exports to China.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment