Vatican City: The conclave of cardinals has yet to elect a new pope, but whoever assumes the role will find an already full agenda awaiting them, Vatican officials report.
According to Ansa News Agency, even as cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel, a comprehensive calendar of commitments looms large for the incoming Roman Pontiff.
One of the new pope’s first tasks will be assembling his team, including selecting leaders for the Dicasteries of the Curia, the government of the universal Church. Many positions, including the Secretary of State, have become vacant with the passing of Pope Francis, necessitating swift appointments.
Another immediate decision involves a planned trip to Turkey for the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, an important ecumenical event. The previous pontiff had planned to attend, and the new pope must decide whether to proceed with the visit or send a delegate.
The new pope will also need to reschedule canonizations suspended due to the recent papal transition. Notably, dates for the canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, as well as for figures like Bartolo Longo and Jos© Gregorio Hern¡ndez, await confirmation.
Additionally, the Jubilee, marked by a series of significant events, will demand the new pope’s attention. This Holy Year will be only the second in history where the Holy Door is opened by one pope and closed by another, adding to the symbolic weight of the occasion.
Amidst these responsibilities, the pontiff must also navigate the ongoing “implementation phase” of the Synod on synodality, requiring coordination of various ecclesiastical efforts and culminating in an Ecclesial Assembly set for October 2028.
Lastly, the new pope will inherit the complex legal affairs surrounding the Holy See’s funds and the sale of a property in London, a matter tied to the conviction of Cardinal Angelo Becciu for embezzlement. This issue is poised to resurface during an appeal starting in September.
