Pope Leaves Behind Unfinished Business

May 4, 2025 8:08 am

VATICAN CITY (AP) — While Pope Francis accomplished a lot in his 12-year papacy, he left much unfinished business and many challenges for his successor — from the Vatican’s disastrous finances to the wars raging on multiple continents. When the conclave’s cardinals finish casting their ballots in the Sistine Chapel, the 267th pope will have to decide whether to continue with Francis’ policies, radically change them, or abandon them altogether. He also must choose what new projects will take precedence. Among the pressing issues are the role of women in the church, the division between traditionalists and progressives, what to do about clergy sex abuse and whether to LGBTQ+ Catholics.  (Photo:  AP)