Why conclave should elect a progressive Pope like Francis

Cardinals during the fifth congregation meeting in the Vatican, on April 28, 2025. [AFP]

Pope Francis is being mourned the world over by believers and non-believers of the Catholic faith alike. The Pope stood up as a beacon of light, change and progressivism for many. Notably, in his final years, he stood firm against the genocide in Gaza. While leaders across the rest of the world continue to hedge around the question of the genocide, the Pope chose to spend his every day commiserating with the people of Gaza, calling the Catholic Church there to speak with and pray for the victims of the genocide. But what made Pope Francis to be so much loved is that he went above and beyond what would be expected of a Christian leader, rather ironically, by accepting and welcoming those who are condemned by conservative Christians. He loved all, including migrants and homosexuals and, in a bold move, the final group of people to bid his body goodbye included a gathering of transgender people, the homeless, and sex workers.

Naturally, there was a great push-back against the Pope's ethos. Europe is, after all, in its neo-fascist age, closing its borders, supporting Israel in its war, and voting in right-leaning leaders with conservative views. The death of the Pope is therefore seen by some as an opportunity to restore order at the Vatican, by bringing into power a conservative Pope. By some others, it is also seen as an opportunity to, for the first time ever, elect a Pope from Africa. Interestingly enough, fronting an African Pope might kill both these birds with one stone. The election of an African as Pope would signal change while likely at the same time turning the tide on the acceptance of minority groups, and any critique of this regression would be difficult due to the progress of racial inclusion.