Working for the protection of people by safeguarding against the crime abuse is an integral expression of Christian faith. The successor of Pope Francis has the task of picking up where he left off and continuing resolutely. How can that be done?

As we prepare for a new papacy, an important question faces the church: What foundations do we inherit from Pope Francis’ bold reimagining of Catholic moral theology? How will the church carry forward the vision he nurtured—a vision both thoroughly traditional and courageously new?

Pope Francis taught the church that the magisterium finds its clarity not merely in propositions but in acts of mercy.

What happens when a pope dies or resigns? How does a papal conclave work? What can we expect from a new pope?

What happens at a conclave? Tom Reese, S.J., answers questions related to the conclave, the event when a new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals.

What happens during the interregnum period? Tom Reese, S.J., explains the time between one pope's death and the succession of the next pope.