Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning, marking the end of a significant 12-year papacy. His health had been declining for the past five years, particularly after a serious abdominal surgery in 2023. Known for his unconventional style, Francis stirred both admiration and criticism during his time as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Under his leadership, the Church faced challenges, especially in its traditional strongholds. Attendance at Mass has dropped, and the Vatican is reportedly facing financial difficulties. In regions like the Global South, the Church is struggling to compete with the rise of evangelical groups. While many agree on the symptoms of these issues, opinions differ on their causes.
Francis was often seen as a disruptor. His actions sometimes favored liberal perspectives, but the focus seemed to be more on shaking up established norms than on promoting any particular ideology. He made headlines for his controversial remarks and decisions, including his dealings with the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, which he brought back into the fold while still keeping their status unclear.
His papacy is viewed as a culmination of a long evolution in the role of the pope, which began at the Council of Trent and continued through the First Vatican Council. Francis’s approach to leadership was unique, concentrating power in his own hands and reshaping the Church’s hierarchy. This has led to uncertainty about the future, especially now that he is gone.
With a College of Cardinals filled with relatively new members, the next steps for the Church are unclear. Francis rarely gathered the Cardinals, which may complicate the election of a new pope. There are concerns that outside influences could play a significant role in the upcoming conclave.
One potential candidate is Matteo Cardinal Zuppi, who has built alliances across different factions within the Church. His appeal as a stabilizing figure may be crucial as the Vatican faces financial hardships and seeks to regain the trust and support of its followers.
As the Church enters this new chapter, many wonder what direction it will take. Liberal Catholics may reflect fondly on Francis’s tenure, but there is little desire to return to the same dynamics. The future remains uncertain, and the Church may need to prioritize operational stability over ideological pursuits in the coming days.