Pope Francis's Legacy: Who's Next? The Election & Beyond
In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, a pivotal question arises: Who will guide the Catholic Church into the future, and what kind of leader will they be? This is a moment steeped in tradition, yet charged with the potential for profound change, as the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff.
The landscape the next pope will inherit is undeniably shaped by Pope Francis's legacy. His appointments, reforms, and the very structure of the church have been altered during his tenure. This includes significant structural adjustments, such as the decentralization of authority within the Vatican, which has redefined the relationship between the central authority and the global church. This shift has empowered local churches and regional bodies, marking a departure from the more centralized models of the past.
The selection of the new pope will occur via the time-honored conclave process, which is a tradition that dictates the process for choosing a new leader after the death of a pope. The funeral of Pope Francis on Monday, shortly after Easter Sunday, has set the stage for this process to begin, which will take place in a few weeks.
As the world contemplates the future of the Catholic Church, the following table presents key information about a potential leading contender:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Peter Turkson |
| Age | 76 (as of date of this article) |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Cardinal | Yes |
| Previous Roles | Former Archbishop of Cape Coast, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace |
| Known For | Being a potential candidate to be the first black pope if elected. Diplomatic Credentials, and peace envoy to South Sudan. |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Pope Francis sent Turkson as a peace envoy to South Sudan, highlighting his diplomatic credentials. |
| Contender in previous conclaves | Yes, considered a favourite during the 2013 conclave. |
| Notable Actions | Advocated for the poor and marginalized, focused on social justice issues. |
| Reference | Vatican Website - Biographical Information |
The death of Pope Francis on Monday, marked the end of his 12-year reign as leader of the Roman Catholic Church, setting off a chain of events and traditions that would lead to the selection of his successor. Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 after a period of hospitalization which was the result of bronchitis and a polymicrobial infection. He passed away a day after celebrating Easter mass with thousands of Christians who gathered outside the Vatican.
The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, who was the first pontiff from South America, began just 12 days after the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. The circumstances of his election, therefore, stand as a reference point for the upcoming selection process.
When the conclave commences, which is expected to begin 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis's death, the College of Cardinals will convene, shutting the doors of the Sistine Chapel to choose the new leader. This will be the largest conclave in recent history, considering the number of cardinals eligible to vote.
The contenders for the next pope span the globe, representing the diversity of the Church. The spectrum of potential choices could range from individuals ideologically aligned with Pope Francis to those representing alternative perspectives, highlighting the complex dynamics within the Catholic Church. The election, therefore, will reflect the diverse views and aspirations of the global Catholic community.
Among the leading contenders is Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who at 76, stands as a significant candidate. His potential election would be a historic moment, making him the first black pope. Turkson was a favorite during the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, signaling his prior recognition within the Church. His involvement as a peace envoy to South Sudan, appointed by Pope Francis, underscores his diplomatic credentials and capacity to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes.
The former bishop of Cape Coast, was previously considered a favorite during the 2013 conclave, a fact that underscores his established standing within the College of Cardinals. This history indicates a strong understanding of Church governance, and an ability to negotiate the intricate political dynamics that surround the papacy. The support he has gathered over time makes him a compelling candidate to succeed Pope Francis.
The election process, steeped in tradition and secrecy, is itself a carefully choreographed event. The cardinals, traditionally chosen from among the most trusted advisors to the Pope, convene in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from the outside world to ensure the integrity of the voting process. The number of rounds of voting and the duration of the conclave have been subject to variation, but the central purpose remains: to discern the will of the Holy Spirit and elect a worthy successor to the papacy.
The Vatican's Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, who served in Pope Francis's Vatican for 11 years, has become an influential figure in the Church. His experience and institutional knowledge will undoubtedly shape the context in which the next pope will operate, bringing continuity to the Church's administrative leadership. The role of the Secretary of State, who also heads the Roman Curia, is crucial in the day-to-day administration of the Vatican and in the management of its relations with other countries and international organizations.
The influence of Pope Francis on the upcoming election is unavoidable. The next pope will take on a church shaped by Pope Franciss appointments and reforms. The structural changes, including the decentralization of the Curia, the emphasis on collegiality, and the focus on outreach to the marginalized, will all impact the context in which the new pontiff will lead. This influence makes the election an exercise in continuity, as well as change, as the cardinals weigh their choices.
The Catholic world was thrown into uncertainty earlier this month when Pope Francis was taken to hospital with a respiratory tract infection. The pope died at age 88 after a recent hospitalization for bronchitis and a polymicrobial infection. The news sent shockwaves through the global community, as the world mourned the loss of a revered spiritual leader.
How long it takes to elect a new pope varies. Back in 2013, Pope Francis was chosen after just two days of voting. The length of time required is dependent on the dynamics within the College of Cardinals, the candidates' appeal, and the consensus-building process. The duration is influenced by the internal deliberations of the cardinals, and the various perspectives within the Church.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, a former archbishop of St. Louis, is viewed as a strong conservative candidate, representing a contrasting view to that of Pope Francis. Burke has been critical of Pope Francis, in opposition to progressive reforms concerning marriage, contraception, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The presence of such a figure within the College of Cardinals is illustrative of the diversity of opinions within the Church, and highlights the potential for the next papacy to move in a markedly different direction.
The pope is traditionally chosen from the College of Cardinals, who serve as his closest advisers. The cardinals, representing different regions and perspectives, deliberate in the conclave, with the goal of selecting a leader who can unite the Church and guide it through the challenges of the modern world.
If and when Pope Francis is unable to continue or fulfill his papal duties, a new pontiff will be selected through the traditional conclave process, ensuring the continuity of leadership within the Catholic Church. The tradition of the conclave is central to the Church's identity, demonstrating the process of succession and the selection of a new pope, with deep roots in the history of the Catholic Church.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, the Pope worked as a bouncer and janitor before becoming a chemist, and eventually inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958. Pope Francis was elected to the papacy at the age of 76, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. These details give some background on the man and also, underscore the significance of his role and his legacy. The new pope's life will take on the role of a spiritual leader, guiding a global community.
Amid growing health concerns, speculation had risen about Pope Francis's possible resignation and who might replace him. Though his health has not hindered his performance, Pope Benedict XVI introduced a modern alternative of resignation, which Pope Francis has openly considered. This shows the evolving nature of the papacy, and its willingness to address modern circumstances.
