Vatican City – As Pope Francis’s papacy nears its end, the global Catholic community watches closely to see which direction the Church will take under its next leader. For over a decade, Francis stirred debate within the Church, with traditionalists voicing strong opposition to his progressive tone and liberal approach.
In the coming days, cardinals from around the world will gather in Vatican City for a conclave to elect the next pope. The decision is expected to shape the future of the Church and its 1.4 billion followers.
Speculation is running high: will the next pontiff follow in Francis’s footsteps, continuing efforts to modernize the Church, or will a more conservative figure emerge to steer it back toward tradition?
Despite the heated debate around Francis’s reforms, religious scholars note that he did not alter the core doctrines of the Church. This suggests that while the next pope may introduce a different leadership style or emphasize new priorities, any dramatic shift in fundamental Catholic beliefs is unlikely.
The conclave will mark a pivotal moment for the Church—one that could influence its role in a changing world for years to come.
