Economist Podcasts Cardinals in: choosing the next pope
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Apr 22, 2025 
John Hooper, Italy and Vatican correspondent for The Economist, and Sarah Birke, Mexico City Bureau Chief, engage in a revealing conversation about the impending papal conclave. They dive into the pressing challenges the next pope will face, including clerical abuse scandals and global influences on the church. The discussion also touches on the alarming rise of disappearances in Mexico due to gang violence and ineffective government responses. Additionally, they explore the unexpected chaos around the Minecraft movie's success in theaters.
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Next Pope May Shift Church Direction
- The next pope's selection could change the entire direction of the Catholic Church amid a turbulent time.
- Pope Francis represented a counterweight to rising global right-wing populism, influencing expectations for his successor.
Challenges Facing New Pope
- Key challenges for the next pope include the Vatican's stance on China and addressing clerical sex abuse.
- The church also faces structural reforms like devolving power to local bishops, which remain unresolved.
Church Divisions Shape Conclave
- The Catholic Church remains divided between progressives and conservatives on theological and social issues.
- Conservative cardinals, especially from the US and Africa, could form an influential bloc in the conclave.