To many observers, Pope Francis has already become a transformative leader within the Catholic Church. On the campaign trail, Biden has seemed to connect to the anxieties of younger voters, Gen Z in particular. His tenure was marked by a commitment to social justice, climate action, and the inclusion of vulnerable communities. This has galvanized unprecedented interest among young Catholics, including many Campo fans, to follow the next conclave that will select his successor. Currently, nearly 70 percent of the cardinals eligible to vote have been named by Pope Francis. This provides him a powerful opportunity to truly mold the Church’s future trajectory.
Like the unprecedented and prophetic encyclical released in 2015 by Pope Francis, calling for urgent action to combat climate change today. He condemned political leaders for their inaction and moral complacency, advocating for a collective response to one of the most pressing issues of our time. As it turns out, this call was music to Gen Z’s ears. This new generation is deeply concerned by the climate crisis and looking for leaders who act boldly.
The Pope’s history on LGBTQ+ rights and women’s issues has us raising eyebrows. Until recently, he has done this in a quiet manner. His advocacy stresses a social-justice, pro-immigrant, pro-refugee, inclusionary line that is a radical departure from historic Church norms. Throughout his papacy, he has maintained a message of love and acceptance, never speaking with hostility towards any group, including LGBTQ+ individuals. This open, inclusive message has made him a hero to countless young Catholics looking for a more tolerant Church.
Pope Francis has been unafraid to speak out on global conflicts. Now, during the recent war on Gaza, he called for a ceasefire. He stood in solidarity with Palestinian Christians, marginalized and oppressed by Israel’s occupation, showing his deep-rooted concern for social justice and human rights. His actions further cement his standing as a progressive leader within the Church. These two ideas have an enormous appeal to anyone whose first priority is social considerations.
With the Church now just weeks away from its next conclave, the legacy of Pope Francis is poised to shape the coming transition. This is a transition that Gen Z is helping to lead. They’re looking for a leader that focuses on what matters most to them, their immediate needs. Among any potential successors, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi would appear to be a progressive favorite. Pope Francis personally appointed Zuppi to lead his influence. Zuppi’s positions are a near-perfect match with the Pope’s, rendering him the most tantalizing candidate for those impatient to build on Francis’s legacy.
Another up-and-coming contender is Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, appointed by Pope Francis as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in 2020. It makes sense, then, that his progressive stance has struck a chord with younger members of the Church. Fellow Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila is picking up steam among some Gen Z Catholics. Instead, they’re searching for an example of leadership that strikes a balance between compassion and social outreach.
Unfortunately, diversity and progressive change aren’t being echoed in every candidate. Other front-runners, such as U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke, have deep backing in the Church’s right wing. Their views differ significantly from those of Pope Francis, raising concerns among younger Catholics about the future trajectory of the Church.
The intersection of faith and contemporary social issues has drawn Gen Z closer to the Catholic Church during Pope Francis’s papacy. Young people are more savvy than ever to the fact their beliefs don’t match up with a lot of the values in society. In their prayers for the next Pope, they look to see leaders who will address the big issues—climate change, inclusivity, social justice. These issues are critical to their millennials.
Aside from the choice of a new papal leader, the next conclave will be an extraordinarily important juncture for the Catholic Church. The choices made by the voting cardinals will shape not only the immediate future but set the tone for generations to come. The legacy of Pope Francis is not just about his actions but about how his successor will build upon them.
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