Expectations for New Pope: Inclusive Style of Francis Will Continue, No Matter What

The following is a statement of Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry:

Pope Francis

While I and many others have had great admiration for Pope Francis, it is no secret that he also had many detractors, particularly in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church.  When Pope Francis met with me and my colleagues of New Ways Ministry in 2023 at Casa Santa Marta, I mentioned that I prayed for him daily.  With a sly look and smile on his face, he responded with a question: “Do you pray FOR me or AGAINST me?” indicating that he was aware that there were people in the church who opposed the way he was governing.

A number of cardinals have been vocal about their opposition, so there will certainly be vigorous debate in the conclave about Pope Francis’ legacy of including migrants, LGBTQ+ people, prisoners, and others on the margins, instead of emphasizing church teachings. Consequently, I believe the cardinals will choose a compromise candidate and, most likely, a surprise candidate. I’m looking forward to being surprised.

However, I do believe the new pope will maintain some of Francis’ inclusive approach. Inclusion, which is a practical as well as a spiritual value, will not be lost on the cardinals of Europe and the U.S., where numbers in the Catholic Church were greatly diminished during the preceding papacies of John Paul II and Benedict VI. Pope Francis’ inclusive welcome of everybody brought Catholics back to the fold, and appealed to new members as well. These successful results will certainly appeal to the voting cardinals.

In the unlikely event that a strongly conservative pope emerges from the conclave, it will be difficult to undo the “Francis effect.” Pope Francis’ power was not in changing church doctrine, but in changing hearts and minds.  In the past ten years, New Ways Ministry has never been busier in responding to requests for resources and ideas for LGBTQ+ inclusion.  The requests came from Catholic parishes, schools, colleges, bishops, theologians, religious communities of vowed men and women, and many other leaders at all levels of the church.  That amazing growth in positive responses to LGBTQ+ people was a direct result of Pope Francis’ message and example.

Nothing, not even a staunchly conservative new pope, will be able to stifle the work of the Holy Spirit which Pope Francis’ papacy has set free.

While I am, of course, primarily concerned that the new pope will continue Pope Francis’ inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ issues, I am equally concerned that he also continue a spirit of openness to all persons. Pope Francis’ emphasis on synodality–his efforts to listen to all opinions, and to seek advice, not just from officials, but from people in the pews, and especially from those who have been marginalized, will transform the Catholic Church into a more contemporary church that is more open to new ideas and opinions, and more welcoming of all.

—Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry, May 6, 2025