The Death of Pope Francis Sparks a Battle Over the Future of the Church

• Will Pope Francis’ progressive reforms continue?
• Who seeks to reverse his legacy?
• What will happen to inclusion in the Church?

The death of Pope Francis has ignited a dispute within the Vatican that goes far beyond a simple succession.

What is at stake, according to many analysts, is the very soul of the Catholic Church.

Francis, the first pontiff from the Global South, profoundly changed the structure of the College of Cardinals, the group that will elect the next pope.

During his papacy, he eliminated old traditions that favored Europe and the United States, and awarded red solideo caps to countries never before represented, such as Tonga, Haiti, and Mongolia.

The death of the pope triggers a battle in the Vatican

According to the Vatican, this strategy was intended to reflect the true diversity of the Church worldwide.

The majority of the cardinals who will vote in the next conclave were appointed by Francis.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Death of Pope Francis Sparks Surge in Views for ‘Conclave’ Film

And, for the most part, they share his vision of a more open, inclusive Church committed to current social issues.

However, not everyone agrees.

Will cardinals halt the reforms?

A small group of powerful cardinals has been organizing for years to try to halt Francis’s reforms.

According to various Vatican sources, these maneuvers are well-financed and supported by conservative sectors that have not accepted the changes promoted by the pontiff.

They are uncomfortable, among other things, with the pope’s openness to remarried divorcees, his welcome to LGBTQ+ Catholics, and his criticisms of economic inequality and “backward” Catholics.

Additionally, his efforts to give women a greater role in the Church, including the possibility of their ordination as deacons, have generated strong divisions.

The Synod of Bishops has been the main platform for advancing these reforms, promoting the participation of laypeople and Catholics from around the world.

But now, with his death, everything could change.

Although the odds favor a successor who would continue his legacy, the outcome of the conclave remains uncertain.

As has happened at other times in history, the Vatican could once again surprise the world.

With information from CNN.