But, there is still a lot for the next Pope to do. There is no going back. That would be walking out on the Spirit. Abhorring violent words and actions, he will be the voice of those who have no voice, and when necessary, be a disruptive voice who stubbornly insists on the way of justice, compassion and peace. This is particularly important for us in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand where the legacy of colonialism continues to cast a dark shadow. Our indigenous people are still not respected.   Kevin Liston (Australia) 

I dream of a church without clericalism – Pope Francis said. What does clericalism mean? It means that ordained men feel superior and are treated accordingly. And they have the sole say in impotant decisions in our church, and are not held accountable. Church leadership and ministry must not be left to ordained men alone. Governance and decision making should be separated from ordination. The church needs to be democratised with greater involvement of the people of God in all areas of church governance.        Martha Heizer (Austria)

In Brazil and in different countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Pope Francis is always very committed to the realities of the people. Supporting social movements mainly on the themes of Land, Work and Housing. Sensitive to people and families of sexual diversity, recognizing the importance of traditional indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. May our base ecclesial communities be recognized as a new way of being Church. May it recognize that unity is the expression of love in the face of diversity of ministries, charisms, genders, sexualities, and cultures.  
Edson Silva (Brazil)

“We Are Church International” calls on the cardinals, to take the signs of the times seriously. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we hope, the cardinals will elect a successor who will continue and intensify Pope Francis' course of reform with courage and vigour.    
Christian Weisner (Germany)

I pray that Pope Francis’ successor will promote unity in diversity and not unity in uniformity!      Colm Holmes (Ireland)

Sr Simona Brambilla, was appointed Prefect of a Vatican dicastery by Pope Francis. She is said to have received an invitation to the conclave “by mistake”. Why was that a mistake? As a Prefect it was her right to be at the conclave.  Virginia Saldanha (India)

There is no greater example of the unfinished work of the Synod on Synodality than an all male conclave. Ordained men are getting behind closed doors to make a consequenbtial decision about the future of the church. This is a textbook definition of the “Old Boys Club” Kate McElwee (USA)