Maria Walsh: White smoke will dictate political direction of church and the Catholic LGBTQ+ community is watching with bated breath
Briefly

Pope Francis's ongoing influence as a spiritual leader will be highlighted during the papal election, where the new pope's identity will impact not only the church but also the political environment across Europe. With a substantial Catholic population in the EU, the church's authority extends to shaping policies and public opinion, making it a critical player in political discourse across member states like Italy, Poland, and Spain. The outcomes of this transition could have monumental repercussions for community lives and societal structures.
Pope Francis's impact extends beyond spiritual leadership, influencing political directions in the Catholic Church and shaping the lives of millions in Europe.
The upcoming papal election will determine not just the new pope's identity, but the political landscape of the Catholic Church across Europe.
With over 20% of the global Catholic population residing in Europe, the church's authority significantly affects policies and public life in the EU.
As one of the most influential institutions in the EU, the Catholic Church plays a key role in shaping political agendas within member states.
Read at Independent
[
|
]