Divided Church Faces Crucial Papal Conclave May 7

The papal conclave to elect the next pope is scheduled for May 7, amid heightened debate over the Vatican's traditional, ritual-heavy process, which critics say excludes women and lacks modernity. There are deep ideological divides, with conservative Cardinal Gerhard Müller urging resistance to liberal reforms and the so-called 'gay lobby,' while progressives seek to continue the inclusive legacy of Pope Francis. Francis, who led the Church for 12 years before his death, advocated for greater inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ individuals and took strong stances on economic inequality and climate action. The 135 cardinal electors face pressure to choose between upholding tradition or embracing ongoing reforms. Public and media fascination with the conclave is fueled by its secrecy, dramatized in popular culture, and by the high stakes of the decision. The outcome will influence Church doctrine and its broader role on social and economic issues affecting Catholics worldwide.