Pope election 2025: Who takes over the challenges in the Vatican?

Pope election 2025: Who takes over the challenges in the Vatican?

Vienna, Österreich - Currently there are discussions among the cardinals in Rome about the successor of Pope Francis, who leaves an extensive challenge for the Catholic Church with his death. The future Pontifex will be confronted with a variety of construction sites, including financial problems and decreasing believers. Many of Francis' reforms have so far been incomplete and urgently require a sequel to adapt the church to the needs of modern society. According to vienna.at the Vatican faces a financial deficit and a decline in church visitor figures in western countries, where a profound reform would be necessary for the believers to regain.

The last record of the Vatican in mid -2024 showed a deficit of 83 million euros, while a defect of around 631 million euros was estimated in the pension fund for 2022. The next Pope is about to decide whether the Vatican's property ownership should be reduced to repay debts. These financial challenges were also a great concern for the late Pope Francis, who ordered the establishment of a new commission for donation acquisition three days before his hospital delivery in February 2025.

The future of the church

based on the statements of Tagesspiegel Falling membership numbers and various abuse scandals fight. While only 29 new priests in Germany were consecrated last year, which is a historical low, the Catholic communities in other regions gain members worldwide. North and South America in particular remain the strongholds of faith with 64.2 % of the world's population.

The future Pope will also be confronted with the sensitive issues of the role of women in the church and the integration of LGBTQ Catholics. Pope Francis had allowed discussions about the consecration of women to deacons and gave priests the opportunity to bless same -sex couples, but only under certain conditions. However, these determined steps have been criticized by conservative Catholics who demand a clear change of direction.

worldwide perspective

The growing meaning of the voices from the global south is underlined by the nomination of new cardinals, the majority of which was appointed Francis. This development could significantly shape the direction of the Catholic Church and increase opportunities for a Pope from Asia or Africa, which will be an important topic in the upcoming conclave. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines in particular is traded as a favorite.