Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A New Era Begins for the Catholic Church. Who's the Next Pope?

As the Catholic Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the world watches closely for the selection of the next pontiff.

Pope Francis waves to people visiting St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in October 2022.

Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that introduced many reforms and emphasized issues like social justice, climate change, and the inclusion of marginalized communities. As the Vatican and the global Catholic community prepare for the transition, all eyes are on the future of the Church and who will succeed him.

A Humble Leader’s Final Days

Pope Francis had been battling respiratory issues for some time. In February 2025, he was hospitalized for bronchitis and later diagnosed with pneumonia, which led to his extended stay at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic. After 38 days, he returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, but his health continued to decline. His doctors, aware of his long history of lung issues (dating back to a surgery in Argentina in the 1950s), had been monitoring his condition closely. His passing came on the morning of April 21, 2025, and Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, made the announcement to the world at 9:45 AM.

The Cardinal expressed deep sorrow in his announcement, noting that Pope Francis' life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. His legacy is especially marked by his focus on the poor and marginalized, as well as his commitment to spreading the values of the Gospel with love and courage.

The Next Chapter: What Happens Now?

The passing of Pope Francis means the beginning of a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. The Vatican will soon begin preparations for a papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new Pope. With Francis having appointed the majority of the cardinals eligible to vote, many expect his successor to align with his progressive vision. However, there’s a sense of uncertainty about whether the Church will continue down the path Francis paved or shift back toward more conservative practices.

Several high-profile cardinals are being considered as potential successors, including Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, Pietro Parolin from Italy, and Peter Turkson from Ghana. Each of these candidates represents different visions for the Church’s future, from continuing Francis’s social justice agenda to returning to more traditional Catholic teachings.

The conclave itself will take place behind closed doors at the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals casting secret ballots to determine the next Pope. The process could take several rounds of voting, with each round signaling either progress toward a consensus or continued division among the cardinals. When a new Pope is elected, the famous white smoke will rise from the chapel, announcing the Church’s new leader to the world.

Archbishop of Milan Angelo Scola speaks during his speech at the inauguration of the Accademiuc Year

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a Mass with newly appointed cardinals presided by Pope Francis a

Ghanaian cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson waits to exchange Christmas greetings with Pope Francis

Cardinal Secretary of State of the Vatican Pietro Parolin arrives to meet with German President Fran

Hungarian cardinal and archbisop of Budapest Peter Erdo attends the Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice Ma

A New Era of Leadership

Pope Francis’ pontificate was revolutionary in many ways. He was the first Latin American pope, which brought a fresh perspective to the Vatican. His advocacy for climate action, social justice, and the inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ people in the Church's broader mission left a lasting impact. But his reforms were also met with resistance from traditionalists, especially over issues like celibacy and the role of women in the Church.

As the Catholic Church enters this uncertain period, one of the key issues facing the next pontiff will be how to balance the progress made under Pope Francis with the concerns of those who fear the Church is losing its traditional identity. The handling of sexual abuse cases within the Church will also be a major concern for the next pope, as Pope Francis made strides toward transparency, but many believe more work is still needed.

What’s Next for the Church?

The next Pope will inherit a Church that is both struggling and growing. While the Catholic Church faces declining influence in Europe and North America, it is seeing growth in the Global South, especially in places like Africa and Latin America. This demographic shift will likely influence the direction the next pope takes, with the need for a leader who can connect with the growing Catholic populations outside of Europe.

The world will be watching closely to see if the cardinals select someone who continues the progressive reforms of Pope Francis or if they opt for a more conservative approach. Regardless of the outcome, the next pope will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Catholic Church for years to come.