What’s next for the Vatican after Pope Francis’ death?

Pope Francis died on April 21 at the age of 88, raising questions about the future direction of Vatican policy, Vedomosti reported. His papacy was marked by sweeping reforms and outspoken stances on controversial issues within the Catholic Church.

He supported LGBT inclusion, migration, expanded roles for women in the Church, eased divorce, and allowed absolution for women who had abortions. These decisions drew criticism from conservative factions.

Francis also reformed Vatican financial systems and encouraged interfaith dialogue — he was the first pope to meet with an Orthodox Patriarch and to hold Mass in a Muslim country.

Experts suggest the next pope may be Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Vatican envoy on Ukraine and close to Francis, or a conservative like Peter Erdo. Other names include Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Antonio Tagle.

The Vatican is expected to continue a path of “moderate modernization” — adapting tradition to modern realities while preserving core values. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!