The Catholic Church has initiated the procedure for selecting its next pope this week, offering regular Catholics a glimpse into what qualities they hope the new leader will possess. Fox News Digital visited the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. just before the upcoming Conclave to gather opinions on the matter.
“I’m really looking forward to uniting the church. I think Pope Francis did a fantastic job with that… I hope the next pope can build on his legacy,” shared a student named Daniel.
Cardinal Dolan highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit in the papal selection process.
The Conclave will commence on Wednesday, following the mourning period after Pope Francis’s passing last month. During this gathering, cardinals will conduct secret votes, requiring a two-thirds majority for a candidate to win. After each voting round, the ballots are publicly counted and then burned, with the resulting ashes signaling the election’s outcome to observers in St. Peter’s Square.
Before the voting begins, students at Catholic University expressed their thoughts on whether the next pope might adopt a more conservative or liberal stance. “I truly believe the Holy Spirit will guide us to where the church needs to be,” remarked Father Erdman Pandero. “It’s not about church politics or who has the loudest voice. It’s ultimately the Holy Spirit that knows the best choice.”
John, another student, speculated on a shift towards a more progressive approach. “Given the current composition of cardinals, it seems possible. But you never know—there might always be surprises in the Conclave.”
Elise added her uncertainty, “I honestly don’t know, but regardless of who it is, I hope he does everything in his power to support the Catholic Church.”
A chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel will signal the choice of the next pope.
Additionally, students articulated key concerns they believe should be addressed by the new pope. Taylor expressed a desire for the next pope to prioritize fostering “peace” globally. “I think that’s perhaps one of the main focuses—finding ways to support peace and bringing people together under our faith.”
John mentioned that certain policies introduced by Pope Francis weren’t well-received among traditional Catholics. “I think the next pope should acknowledge those views and understand their liturgical preferences.
Daniel discussed immigration, saying, “I hope the Pope can tackle social issues like immigration—it’s about human dignity, especially in light of past administrations.’
Fox News also engaged the Catholic community in discussing the legacy of the late pope. “Pope Francis evoked a range of opinions,” John reflected. “He was complex and hard to define, which I think contributed to his greatness, though it sometimes caused confusion among Catholics.”
When asked about their impressions of the Church during Francis’s leadership, Friar Vincent Mary stated, “It really depends on who you ask.” Some noted positive changes, with Taylor saying, “I haven’t seen anything particularly negative or positive that stands out. The Church has evolved significantly; I’d say that’s mostly for the good.”
John mentioned that his views of the Church have remained consistent, regardless of the pope. “It’s my spiritual home, and I’ll always be here,” he noted, emphasizing his loyalty while acknowledging he can still hold personal opinions.
Another student remarked, “I believe the Church was thriving under his leadership. He made a lot of positive impacts, and I hope the next pope can continue that while also improving in specific areas.”
