Gender equality: Francis adopted tokenism, responding to tsunami of desire by human rights advocates

Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals from 70 countries begin a momentous task: electing the next spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics. In secrecy and silence, they face not only centuries of tradition, but a Church at a crossroads—riven by scandal, diminished influence, and urgent calls for reform. For deep insight into this pivotal moment, FRANCE 24’s Eve Irvine is honoured to welcome Mary McAleese—lawyer, author, academic, and former President of Ireland—whose voice remains a powerful force for faith, reform, and moral conscience within Catholicism.