Pope Francis is dead: Who determines the future of the church?

Pope Francis is dead: Who determines the future of the church?

The death of Pope Francis on April 26, 2025 marked a decisive turning point for the Catholic Church and the global community. With his death, an extraordinary pontificate ends, which was largely shaped by a reform course that should bring the church closer to people. Under his leadership, the Catholic Church relied on personal role models and a waiver of pomp, while she was committed to refugees and needy communities. His legacy as a Pope, which advocated the "poor church for the poor", is now becoming a test stone in the upcoming power struggles within the church.

The conflicts between reform supporters and traditionalists are now open. The cardinals, which take over a temporary management of the church after the Pope's death, are faced with a decisive choice: should the reforms that have started should be continued or stopped? The so -called "Bergoglians" form a strong block, but get into a competition with conservative church leaders who strive for a return to more traditional ways. Only three to four personalities could enjoy the trust of the Cardinal College and come into question as possible successors.

The challenge of the pope election

The choice of the new Pope is expected to be more complicated than with earlier complies. One of the possible compromise candidates is Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana, a moderate reformer, as well as the State Secretary Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zupi, Archbishop of Bologna, who is known for his proximity to the social agenda of Francis. The high commitment of this choice could have far -reaching consequences for the 1.3 billion believers, especially in Latin America, the home of over 40% of the Catholics, concerns about the legacy of Francis.

In the USA, the ideological tensions between liberals and conservative currents are particularly pronounced. The choice of the new Pope will not only determine the fate of the reforms, but also the future orientation of the church in questions of social justice and political influence.

preparations and the pre -concrete

Arrived in Rome are well -known cardinals such as Reinhard Marx, who, despite a shoulder injury, strives to participate in the conclave. With 252 cardinals, 135 of which are entitled to vote, the composition of the Cardinal College will be decisive for the future direction of the church. The preparations are ongoing and the first meetings were already taking place in which the situation of the church and possible candidates are discussed. It remains unclear whether the Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who had fallen into favorite because of a financial scandal, can take part.

The pre -concrete is used to test moods and prepare for the upcoming decision -making processes. Cardinals report on informal discussions and the first protocol negotiations about the challenges that the church faces, which are now particularly intensive after the death of Francis.

long -term reform ambitions

The unfinished reforms that Francis leaves, especially in the curia and in financial transparency, are the focus of the discussions. While progressive cardinals fear the continuation of these reforms, conservative forces see a chance to return to traditional values ​​at this moment. The future direction of the Catholic Church is therefore not only a question of faith, but also a considerable political and social issue.

In the face of these challenges, the choice of the new Pope is seen as a fateful decision for the Catholic Church in the future.