Unity, diplomacy, abuse Pressing matters at the top of the papal in-tray

Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed, what issues must the new pope grapple with?

- Harriet Sherwood

Church unity A key task will be to strengthen unity within the church amid growing polarisation in the world and different views and expectations within the church. Some observers believe there is a real risk of schism after 20 years in which there have been popes on either end of the spectrum: the traditional/conservative Benedict XVI and the liberal/progressive Francis.

Will the new pope be a unifying figure, reaching out to both traditionalists and progressives, and stewarding the church through the choppy waters of the 21st century? Or will he be identified with one wing of the church, thereby alienating another wing?

A key area of unity and healing will be the American Catholic church, where Pope Francis was a divisive figure, openly rebuking both Trump administrations on issues such as migration. Some US bishops are avid supporters of Donald Trump while others are dismayed by the president's policies and statements. An early visit to the US may be high on the new pope's agenda.

International diplomacy The pope has an important role to play on the international stage, particularly to ensure religion does not become a fault line. He will face conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan plus the politically divisive issues of migration, the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights.