Across Europe, North America and the Middle East, African migrants are bringing not only their culture but their churches. Once receivers of the Gospel, they are now church planters and missionaries, reshaping Christianity’s global map from the margins to the mainstream.

The six cardinal electors interviewed by RNS, some under the condition of anonymity, all insisted the election of Pope Leo XIV was poles apart from the versions depicted by Hollywood and predicted by the media.

Pope Leo XIV arrived not only in white robes but with a personal Facebook account along with ‘friends’, and a viral video of himself on horseback—marking a first in the long history of papal introductions.

Jesuit Hans Zollner defends Francis’ personal empathy but says real change depends on bishops worldwide. “Overprojecting superhuman powers on the pope” hinders accountability, he said, calling for broader leadership responsibility.

Mercy and the joy of the Gospel are two key words for Pope Francis. “Build bridges, not walls” was an exhortation he repeated many times, during his service of faith as Successor of the Apostle Peter which was always linked to the service of humanity in all its dimensions.

In Rome’s hidden rooms, cardinals weigh the future of the Church. Politics, prayer, and private deals shape the path to a new pope. Speed matters—but wisdom, they say, must not be sacrificed for haste.

Artists around the globe are paying homage to the late Pope Francis, describing him as a spiritual leader who inspired them to use their art to draw attention to the poor, the environment and peace around the globe.