The sudden passing of Pope Francis at 88 has sent shockwaves through the Catholic world, igniting fierce speculation about who will succeed him and the future direction of the Church. As the College of Cardinals prepares for the conclave, the choice of Pope Francis' successor will not only shape debates but also signal whether the Church continues its recent reforms.
With the influence of Francis's presidency still very much in the air, this election is poised to be one of the most consequential in recent memory.
