The Journey of the Late Pope: His Legacy, and the Path to Choosing the Next Leader of the Catholic Church

The world is in mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, a spiritual leader who left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church through humility, reform, and a tireless call for compassion and inclusion. As tributes pour in from around the globe, the Church now turns to a centuries-old process to choose a new shepherd for its 1.3 billion faithful: the appointment of a new Pope.

The late Pope's final procession as the faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, marking the end of an era and the beginning of the papal succession

The Life and Legacy of the Late Pope

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first-ever Jesuit and first Latin American Pope when he was elected in March 2013. His papacy was defined by:

A call for simplicity and humility – Rejecting luxury and choosing to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the traditional papal apartments.
A focus on the marginalized – Championing the poor, refugees, and the environment, aligning the Church more closely with modern social justice issues.
Global outreach – Building interfaith bridges, especially with Islam and Judaism, and strengthening ties with Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Internal reforms – From financial transparency in the Vatican to more openness on controversial topics such as divorce, homosexuality, and women’s roles.

Though his progressive stance sometimes sparked debate, Pope Francis’s humanity and devotion made him a beloved figure well beyond Catholic circles.

What Happens After a Pope Dies?

The death of a Pope triggers a period known as the “Sede Vacante” (vacant seat). Here’s how the process unfolds:

Nine days of mourning are observed, known as “Novemdiales,” during which special masses and ceremonies are held in honor of the late Pope.
The College of Cardinals assembles in Rome to organize the funeral and prepare for the papal election.
After the mourning period, a Papal Conclave is convened—a highly secretive gathering of all cardinals under 80 years of age.
The cardinals vote in the Sistine Chapel, casting ballots until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
Once elected, the new Pope accepts the role and chooses a papal name, after which the iconic white smoke rises and the announcement is made: “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”).

Who Could Be the Next Pope?

The selection of a new Pope is influenced by theological vision, geography, age, and the mood of the Church. Here are a few frontrunners being discussed:

1. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

A gentle and highly respected voice from Asia, Tagle embodies many of Pope Francis’s values—humility, mercy, and a global outlook.

2. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)

With decades of service in social justice and the environment, Turkson would be the first African Pope in over 1,500 years, a powerful symbol for the growing Church in Africa.

3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

A charismatic and progressive Italian bishop, Zuppi is deeply committed to peace and inclusion, echoing Francis’s approach.

4. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg)

Known for his bold views and leadership within the European Church, Hollerich represents a bridge between tradition and modernity.

What Will the Cardinals Be Looking For?

The world has changed dramatically during Pope Francis’s tenure, and the Church continues to face internal and external challenges. Key qualities cardinals may seek in the next Pope include:

A global mindset to lead a diverse, multicultural flock.
A commitment to reform and moral clarity in an age of rapid change.
Spiritual charisma and diplomatic skill to navigate global crises, from war to poverty to climate change.
Health and age, given recent papacies have been affected by physical limitations.

A New Chapter Begins

toward the future of the papacy. Whoever steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica next will not only lead the world’s largest Christian denomination but will also shape its moral and spiritual direction for years to come.

The legacy of Pope Francis will surely guide the conclave’s decision, as the Church seeks a leader who can carry forward his mission of mercy, dialogue, and renewal.