As the world's 1.4 billion baptised Roman Catholics look on and await the choice of their next leader, the decision is poised to shape the future of the Church and its global impact. While the College of Cardinals gear up to meet in the immortal halls of the Sistine Chapel, the question lingers: could this conclave be a historic opportunity, with the election of an African pope? The process, traditional and notoriously unpredictable, is expected to be especially wide open this time. Now, with 80% of the cardinals appointed by the late Pope Francis, who promoted a more inclusive and globally representative Church, the stage is set for a conclave that reflects the global nature of Catholicism.
