Choosing the Next Pope: A Deliberation on Pope Francis’s Legacy

The cardinals have laid Pope Francis to rest and now gather to elect his successor. Yet, the focus remains deeply centered on Francis’s enduring influence.

More than two weeks following his passing, the cardinals preparing to vote in the Sistine Chapel have been indicating their preferences—whether to uphold Francis’s path, reverse course, or seek a middle ground.

Through sermons, private discussions, and daily meetings behind Vatican walls, those selecting the next pope are effectively conducting a referendum on the legacy Francis leaves behind. They are weighing the continuation of the so-called “Francis effect”: the vision of a charismatic, inclusive moral leader who could attract new followers and reengage disenchanted Catholics on the world stage.

“There are diverse opinions,” said Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Sweden, himself mentioned as a potential candidate. Some favor a pope who will follow Francis’s footsteps, while others oppose that direction entirely.

Francis’s 12-year pontificate sparked global attention with landmark declarations embraced by liberals both within and outside the Church. He famously stated, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay priests and permitted blessings of same-sex couples. He was an outspoken advocate for migrants, urged global leaders to confront climate change, and criticized capitalism’s excesses and the exploitation of vulnerable populations.