Three issues facing the Conclave

As Cardinals gather for the Conclave and the world waits for white smoke at the Vatican, they will be carefully considering who can tackle some of the biggest issues of our time as they choose the next pope.

We consider three of the most pressing issues facing the world, as a new pontiff takes on the papacy.

1. The global debt crisis

The global debt crisis means international “loan-shark” lenders profit while dozens of countries spend more on debt payments than they do on health or education for their people.

Action on debt relief has been a priority for the Vatican recently and the Cardinals will be considering the role of the Catholic Church and the importance of influencing world leaders and lenders to pay attention.

2. Countries working together

As world powers continue to show a tendency to consider their own national interests ahead of the common good, the Cardinals also know that the new pontiff can be an effective moral and spiritual leader to bring world leaders together to effect change and build the better world that God intended.

This is increasingly urgent as floods and droughts devastate the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Our director, Christine Allen, says:

“The new pontiff will be one of the few people in the world who can cross political divides and use his moral influence to help all of us look beyond our narrow self-interests and work together to overcome collective challenges.

“The leadership of the pontiff has secured huge progress, including the delivery of the Parish Climate Agreement and living up to these commitments remains a priority in challenging times.”

3. Bringing about peace

In an escalating time of humanitarian crisis, as millions go hungry in Gaza and Sudan, the new pope will be instrumental in reminding us all that we have a moral imperative to respond, even when aid budgets are shrinking.

Christine says: “Pope Francis’ great gift was speaking truth to power – highlighting the plight of the most vulnerable and pointing the way to peace. His successor will likewise possess a powerful voice with the capacity to make world leaders sit up and take notice."

The Cardinals have no small task to discern who is best placed to take this forward. Our prayers are with the cardinals at the Vatican, as they seek to divine the will of God.