Catholics worldwide share hopes for next pope as conclave nears: Video
As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope on Wednesday, Catholics from across the globe are expressing a wide range of hopes and expectations for the next leader of the world's 1.3 billion faithful.
In St. Peter’s Square, the mood is one of prayerful anticipation, with many voicing admiration for Pope Francis and a desire for continuity in his legacy, particularly on social justice, reform, and inclusion.
Argentine worshippers such as Ricardo Sarabia told the AFP that Pope Francis's pastoral approach "brought the faithful closer to the Church,” adding, “A start has already been made with Francis,” she said.
Some Catholics also expressed more conservative views, urging the Church to preserve tradition. Michelina Lavoratore, a 72-year-old Canadian, said, “I love the traditional Church. I'm hoping that the pope is also going to keep traditions that we've had for 2,000 years.”
A Canadian priest, Justin Pulikunnel expressed concern over what he called a “dozen years of destabilisation and ambiguity” and hoped the new pope would “calm the waters” and be a “solid rock for the faithful.”
The Pope died on Easter Monday at age 88.
