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The world continues to mourn yesterday’s passing of Pope Francis, who drew criticism for speaking out on social issues throughout the years. So will his successor continue that trend, or lean more toward the traditional messaging of the Catholic Church?
Francis earned himself a reputation for being vocal on everything from gay marriage to climate change, often confusing conservative members of the Church.
Jonathan Saenz with Texas Values says, "People saw that as a potential shift from the beliefs of the Catholic Church, but Pope Francis and the Vatican were quick to correct some of those things." He says that many of the Pope’s more controversial statements were likely just the result of things getting lost in translation. That means the next Pope will likely be a clearer communicator.
Saenz elaborated, saying, "Pope Francis confused people at times with some of that messaging, and I think you’re gonna see a difference, and a much more precise and clear message from whoever becomes the next Pope."
Saenz also believes that the majority of Catholics, especially those that are in this wave of newer, younger converts, are looking for something more traditional. He said, "They want the Pope to be in line with traditional, long-standing established views and doctrine. It bothers many Catholics when the Pope says something that they feel is maybe a curve ball."
Some time within the next 19 days, the College of Cardinals with convene, and begin voting to elect a new Pope. Typically, the Pope is selected from among the Cardinals, but any baptized Catholic male is eligible to hold the positron.