What's happened
As the Catholic Church prepares for a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, voices from around the world express their hopes for the next pontiff. Young Catholics seek a leader who embodies mercy and unity, while marginalized communities desire inclusivity and support for the vulnerable.
What's behind the headline?
Key Aspirations for the Next Pope
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Inclusivity and Mercy: Many Catholics, including young voices like Nadia Makuc from Princeton, emphasize the need for a pope who embodies mercy and can unite a divided Church. They seek a leader who can effectively communicate the Christian message of hope.
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Focus on Marginalized Communities: Voices from various backgrounds, such as Mercyline Bunoro from Kenya, highlight the importance of embracing all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or background. This reflects a broader desire for the Church to address social issues and advocate for human rights.
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Youth Engagement: There is a strong call for the next pope to engage with younger generations. Alicler Medina from Argentina expresses hope that the new pontiff will actively bring youth closer to the Church, reinforcing values in a society perceived as increasingly disconnected.
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Global Perspective: Many Catholics, particularly from regions like Africa, are advocating for greater representation within the Church's leadership. This reflects a desire for a pope who understands and prioritizes the needs of diverse communities worldwide.
These aspirations indicate a significant shift towards a more inclusive and compassionate Church, one that resonates with the values of its global congregation.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the hopes of young Catholics like Nadia Makuc, who desires a pope that promotes mercy and unity amid political divisions. Meanwhile, The Japan Times reflects on Pope Francis's legacy of inclusivity, noting the importance of continuing his outreach to marginalized communities. The Independent also captures sentiments from various Catholics in Rome, emphasizing the need for a pope who focuses on the poor and advocates for peace, as expressed by Michele Cufaro and Lisa Remondino. These perspectives collectively illustrate a yearning for a leader who can bridge divides and foster a more compassionate Church.
How we got here
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, leaving a legacy of inclusivity and outreach. As the Church enters a new era, many are reflecting on what qualities they hope to see in his successor.
Go deeper
- What qualities do people want in the new pope?
- How did Pope Francis influence the Church?
- What challenges will the next pope face?
More on these topics
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi