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.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Japan to join forces with Beijing in countering U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures, highlighting growing concern over Washington's protectionist policies.
Bulgaria is stepping up preparations to host the Ninth Global Conference on Wine Tourism this autumn in Plovdiv, with Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh leading a series of high-level meetings to finalize venues and partnerships.
A powerful 6.3‑magnitude quake rattled Indonesia’s remote Talaud Islands on Tuesday afternoon, shaking buildings as far away as the southern Philippines but causing no immediate injuries or damage.
At least 16 people, including women and children, lost their lives and over 30 others were injured when a passenger vehicle veered off the road and fell into a ravine in Pakistan’s Sindh province, local authorities said.
Russia has reported the capture of Sukha Balka in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a contested area that continues to see active fighting amid shifting frontlines.
Sweden, Lithuania, Norway and Finland are considering a coordinated acquisition of hundreds of CV90 infantry combat vehicles made by BAE Systems, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday.
President Putin is open to discussing President Zelenskyy’s call to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, the Kremlin said Tuesday, though no talks are currently planned. The conflict has drawn renewed global pressure for progress toward peace.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Japan to join forces with Beijing in countering U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures, highlighting growing concern over Washington's protectionist policies.
A Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia killed one woman and injured 15 people, including two children, on Tuesday. Guided bombs struck residential areas, as drone attacks also hit Kherson and Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials said.
On April 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the People's Republic of China.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 16th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia’s top political leaders doubled down on plans to ban social media access for children under 16, showing rare unity on the issue ahead of the May 3 election even as pressure from tech giants is expected to mount.
China’s Shenzhen Hasee Computer Co. is considering launching laptop manufacturing operations in Azerbaijan, following key talks with local investment authorities.
The blockade of Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS entered another day, as students and citizens press demands for media transparency and accountability following a deadly tragedy in Novi Sad.
Sweden, Lithuania, Norway and Finland are considering a coordinated acquisition of hundreds of CV90 infantry combat vehicles made by BAE Systems, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday.
President Putin is open to discussing President Zelenskyy’s call to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, the Kremlin said Tuesday, though no talks are currently planned. The conflict has drawn renewed global pressure for progress toward peace.
Sweden, Lithuania, Norway and Finland are considering a coordinated acquisition of hundreds of CV90 infantry combat vehicles made by BAE Systems, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday.
President Putin is open to discussing President Zelenskyy’s call to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure, the Kremlin said Tuesday, though no talks are currently planned. The conflict has drawn renewed global pressure for progress toward peace.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has urged Japan to join forces with Beijing in countering U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures, highlighting growing concern over Washington's protectionist policies.
A Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia killed one woman and injured 15 people, including two children, on Tuesday. Guided bombs struck residential areas, as drone attacks also hit Kherson and Kharkiv, Ukrainian officials said.
On April 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the People's Republic of 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