Questions swirl about pope's future and what he knew when praying at a French shrine famed for cures
When Pope Leo XIV was elected after the pained finale of Pope Francis' pontificate, there was hope that a younger, healthier pope would be able to guide the Catholic Church for quite some time before age and ailments slowed him.
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV was elected after Pope Francis' pontificate ended painfully.
- There was hope for a long pontificate due to Leo XIV being younger and healthier.
- The expectation was that he would guide the Church for a considerable time before health issues arose.