Cardinal Sarah Gains Support as Conservative Candidates Emerge after Pope Francis' Death

Following the death of Pope Francis, a progressive figure known for advocating LGBTQ inclusion and migrant rights, the Catholic Church faces a pivotal choice regarding its future direction. Conservative Catholics are rallying around Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, a vocal critic of Francis' reforms and an advocate for traditional values, as their preferred candidate for the papacy. Sarah, known for his firm stance against same-sex marriage, gender ideology, and migration, has gained significant support on social media, though his prospects remain uncertain due to the majority of voting cardinals having been appointed by Francis. Other conservative figures, such as Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, are also being discussed as potential successors, both representing a possible ideological shift away from Francis' legacy. The upcoming conclave will challenge cardinals to decide whether to continue on the progressive path set by Francis or to pivot toward a more traditionalist, populist approach. This decision is seen as critical for the Church's engagement with contemporary social issues and its relationship with both Western and global communities.