After Pope Francis: What Happens Next for the Catholic Church?

Apr 21, 2025 10:43AM ● By Kenzie Shiver

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of a transformative papacy and the beginning of a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church. As the Vatican enters a period of mourning and prepares for the election of a new pope, the world watches with anticipation to see who will lead the Church's 1.3 billion followers into the future.