ROME — As the Roman Catholic Church prepares for a pivotal papal conclave set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, two prominent cardinals have spoken publicly about the spiritual, global, and institutional challenges awaiting the next pope. Their reflections offer rare insights into the tone of the pre-conclave atmosphere and the hopes shaping the future of the Catholic Church.
In exclusive interviews with ABC News, Cardinal Michael Czerny of Canada and Cardinal Chibly Langlois of Haiti discussed the urgent issues the next Holy Father must confront — from war and climate change to the need for inclusivity and the lingering wounds of sexual abuse scandals.
A Unique Moment in Church History
This conclave follows the funeral of Pope Francis, marking the end of a historic papacy defined by humility, outreach, and efforts toward modernization. With 133 cardinal-electors — the largest number in papal conclave history — including 108 appointed by Francis himself, the 2025 election represents both a moment of transition and potential continuity.
“We’re united in our task,” said Cardinal Czerny, who was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2019 by Pope Francis. Stressing the spiritual and prayerful nature of the conclave, Czerny dismissed the idea of any political maneuvering behind closed doors. “This is not a political convention,” he said. “We’re not dealing and wheeling in order to create a consensus. We are entering spiritually, prayerfully, having listened to one another as deeply as we can.”
What the Next Pope Will Face
The cardinals painted a picture of a Church increasingly entwined with the pressing issues of the modern world. Cardinal Czerny pointed to artificial intelligence, global warfare, and the climate crisis as matters demanding moral leadership from the next pontiff. “These are all things in which the Church is involved because we’re everywhere, and these are the things that are affecting people’s lives,” he explained.
Cardinal Langlois — the first and only cardinal from Haiti, appointed in 2014 — expanded the list of concerns to include technological advancements, the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, and the urgent need for interfaith dialogue, especially with youth and marginalized communities.
“If we try to understand what awaits the next pope, inside the church, outside the church and around the world, that will help guide the next pope,” said Langlois.
Legacy of Pope Francis Looms Large
Despite their discretion in naming favored candidates, both cardinals emphasized the enduring impact of Pope Francis’ vision, particularly regarding Church transparency and a more welcoming tone toward previously alienated communities.
“Pope Francis has been very good at opening the doors… people feel welcome, people feel included,” Czerny noted. “Inclusivity is another word for Catholic.”
Langlois echoed this sentiment, saying the Church “cannot talk about the next pope without talking about the legacy that Pope Francis left us.” He praised the late pontiff for initiating a “workshop of transformation” focused on transparency in governance, suggesting that continuing this reformative momentum will be critical for the next papal leader.
A Time of Hope, Not Anxiety
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the conclave, Czerny urged Catholics worldwide to respond with faith rather than fear.
“Every time there’s a new Holy Father, there’s this certain anxiety or disorientation,” Czerny admitted. “Right now, it’s a feeling of emptiness, an empty time… but there’s no reason for anxiety. Pray and be hopeful, and when we discover who the new Holy Father is, let’s all rally to help him.”
What Comes Next?
With the conclave set to begin this Wednesday, the world will soon witness the white smoke that signals the election of the next spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics. As anticipation builds, the words of Cardinals Czerny and Langlois remind the faithful that this moment is not only about choosing a new pope — it’s about defining the direction of a global Church facing an era of unprecedented transformation.
User Intent Answer: What are the key issues the next pope will face?
According to Cardinals Czerny and Langlois, the new pope will need to lead the Church through pressing global concerns like artificial intelligence, climate change, war, sexual abuse scandals, and technological ethics. He will also need to promote inclusivity, transparency, and interreligious dialogue, particularly in engaging young and marginalized communities. These challenges reflect a continuation of the reforms and openness initiated by Pope Francis, whom both cardinals praised for his legacy of inclusivity and transformation.
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