Soon after Francis was elected Pope in March 2013, he gave an interview to the Italian journal La Civilta Cattolica ( run by the Jesuit order to which he belonged) in which he described the Church as a "field hospital." He emphasized that it should focus on healing wounds and proclaiming God's love, reflecting the idea that the Church should offer care and support, especially to the needy and suffering. That was the template of his 12-year papacy that ended Easter Monday. The modern papacy is no cakewalk. The Church faces declining attendance in Europe, the cradle of Christianity but is rising and more influential in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Then there are geo-political conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The likely candidates’ names – papabile -- are being discussed in the global media. Among the papabile are many from outside of Europe – two Africans, two Filipinos and even a 59-year-old Portuguese cardinal. An African choice would be more conservative while Europe/and the Americas may choose a more moderate priest in order to balance a very diverse Catholic flock.
