The new Pope Leo, the 14th, according to Robert Francis Prevost, is called upon to lead the Roman Catholic Church at a critical historical turning point with open fronts in governance, unity, sexual abuse, the financial and financial economics.

As soon as the prayers are over and the crowd leaves St. Peter’s Square, the new Pope is called upon to face a series of challenges.

1. Unity of the Church

One basic mission will be to strengthen unity within the Church, amid growing polarization in the world and different views and expectations within the universal community. Some observers believe that there is a real risk of schism, after 20 years where there were popes at both ends of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict Estet and the Liberal/Progressive Franciscan.

Prevost is considered moderate. But will it be a unifying form, addressing both traditional and progressives, guiding the Church through the troubled waters of the 21st century? Or will he identify with one of the wings, alienating the other?

A critical field of unity and healing is the Catholic Church in the United States, where Pope Francis was a divisive form. Some bishops in the US are Donald Trump’s ardent supporters, while others disapprove of his policies and statements. An early visit to the US may be high on the agenda of the new Pope.

2. International Diplomacy

The Pope has to play an important role in the international stage, especially in ensuring that religion will not be a point of division. It has to face conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, as well as political divisive issues such as immigration, climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights.

Christine Allen, CEO of CAFOD’s universal CAFOD, said that the new Pope would be “one of the few persons in the world who can bridge political differences and use their moral prestige to help us overcome our close interests.”

Like other world leaders, Prevost will need to manage Trump’s second term in the White House. Pope Francis had openly criticized the first two Trump governments on issues such as immigration.

3. Sexual abuse

The legacy of sexual abuse threw a heavy shadow in Francis’ papal term. It was too late to understand the extent and systemic nature of the problem and initially did not understand the pain and anger of the survivors. This pain has not disappeared and the new Pope’s attitude will inevitably find the microscope.

Protecting children and vulnerable adults, especially in areas where the implementation of protection processes is difficult, is a critical issue at the “table” of the new Pontiff.

4. Governance

Pope Leo will need to make decisions on governance within the Church, including the rate of reforms and the degree of participation of lay people and women. It should proceed with basic appointments within a few days to begin the new papal governance.

There is a tendency to place trained, professionals in the Vatican positions instead of clergy. In Pope Francis, some basic positions were given for the first time to women, but some estimate that the change process could be faster and more extensive.

Sister Natalie Bekar, who has served as Deputy Secretary of the Bishops’ Synod for four years, said that “there is no return” but that “a change of mentality and culture” is still ongoing. “The next step is to encourage women’s involvement at all levels of the church,” he said.

5. Vatican Economics

The new Pope should pay attention to two aspects of the finances: general control and transparency, areas in which progress on Francis has been made, but there are still many to become the unsustainable height of deficits that have deteriorated during his papacy.

In 2022, the Vatican budget showed a deficit of about $ 94 million, while its pension fund allegedly had a deficit of more than $ 700 million.

A senior cardinal, Angelo Betsiou, retired from the Conquerment due to conviction for financial crimes in 2022 (his appeal is pending). Pope Francis had forced Bechiou to resign after complaints of mismanagement, but Cardinal retired from the Pope’s electing process only after his letters left by Francis before he died, with whom he explicitly stated that Betchi would not be reported.

6. Sexuality and gender identity

Pope Francis transformed the church’s attitude to issues related to sexuality and gender identity, condemning discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, meeting trans men and women, and allowing blessing of homosexual couples.

LGBTQ+ Catholics welcomed its compassion and positive attitude, while recognizing that it did not formally change the teaching of the Church. Francis’ attitude sparked reactions within the traditional.

The new Pope will also need to examine the issue of the priests’ kindness. Franciscus eventually avoided a decision on whether the priesthood would be allowed to marry men in areas such as the Amazon, where there is a serious shortage of priests. Will the new Pope promote it?