Next Pope Faces Concerns Over Poverty, Islam, Technology

Pope John Paul II's recent death sparked both worldwide mourning and speculation as to who would succeed him. When the College of Cardinals convenes for conclave in around two weeks, they will have to weigh different challenges facing the church today, and which candidate is best equipped to deal with them. Should the next pope be from Africa or Latin America and address the poverty and turmoil afflicting Catholics from those continents? Or should the cardinals select someone from a European country or the United States, to combat the so-called "crisis of faith" in rich nations? Conflicts involving the implications for faith of advances in science and technology, the alienation between Muslims and Catholics, and recent priest-abuse scandals are inevitable. Also, in wealthier countries, the church may suffer in popularity because it has ceased to be regarded as a force for general good, a non-issue in poorer countries where it provides a relief function. – YaleGlobal