Why Does It Matter Who Is Pope?

Why does it matter who is Pope?

In short?  Everyday life. The Pope -  the head of the Catholic Church-  is the spiritual leader of nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide, controls a centuries-old (mostly cash) financial network,  has final say over the massive real estate holdings (including within the City of London and elsewhere) and has  ready access to heads of state (most of whom come to see HIM in Rome). 

In other words the Pope  - one man - can influence world politics, social norms and religious viewpoints on a global scale and that effects everyone. 

It can be a double-edged sword however, and it’s part of what fueled some of the controversy around Pope Francis (who was the first and only Jesuit pope in history).  Pope Francis attempted to use the papal influence to affect many liberal reforms which were welcomed by his supporters. 

However, not everyone viewed him on favorable terms. Not only did Pope Francis oust many prominent and well-liked Arch Bishops (that opposed his changes),  but he was viewed as being the extreme  opposite of his predecessor (Pope Benedict) who  was seen by many as the being the ideal Catholic leader. 

And so, in an age where the death of religion is much exaggerated, questions arise - will the next Pope follow Francis’ renegade path  or will there be a ‘return to normalcy’ a la Pope Benedict or John Paul?  Perhaps more critically, in the 21st century, what effect will the next pope have on everyday life?  

What don’t think?