The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 challenges his complex heritage within the Catholic Church and beyond. Known for his outspokenness and his commitment to the most vulnerable, François tried to revitalize traditional doctrines by anchoring them in contemporary issues of social justice, inclusion and environmental protection. His pontificate has aroused debates on sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and family, while trying to maintain a balance between reform and fidelity to the Catholic tradition. In an often polarized world, his advocacy for dialogue and solidarity represents a challenge and a call for reflection for the Catholic community which projects itself to the future, raised by questions on the evolution of institutions in the face of modern realities. This rich and nuanced context deserves in -depth exploration.

Pope Francis’s pontificate aroused interesting developments within the Catholic Church, especially with his growing commitment to the African continent. By creating a significant number of African cardinals, François seeks to strengthen the voice and influence of this region where Catholic faith continues to grow, while responding to complex social and political issues. However, this dynamic also reveals significant differences of views among the members of the Cardinalice College, in particular on ethical and moral questions, which underline the coexistence of various sensitivities within the Church. This context highlights the need for constructive dialogue so that these differences enrich reflection on the role and mission of the Church in an evolving world. Throughout this reflection, the question of the inclusiveness and the legitimacy of African voices could play a pivotal role in the future orientation of the Catholic Church.

Burkina Faso, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré since the state of September 2022, sails through a period marked by increasing security and political challenges. The recent accusations of the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, denouncing an alleged conspiracy emanating from Côte d’Ivoire, highlight not only bilateral tensions, but also the internal issues linked to stability and governance. In a context where the political history of the country is punctuated by revolutions and disorders, the implications of these declarations raise crucial issues on government transparency, respect for human rights and interstate relations in West Africa. The exploration of these themes reveals a complex table in which national security, internal management of dissensions and regional cooperation are intimately linked, thus raising the question of the way in which Burkina Faso can establish a lasting balance between its aspirations for stability and the realities of an unstable regional environment.

The sudden death of Pope Francis, which occurred during a Mass in the Vatican, causes a shock wave within the Catholic Church and arouses a period of reflection in the face of a significant change in leadership. In twelve years of pontificate, François embodied a renewal in the approach of the Church on sensitive subjects such as homosexuality, immigration and interreligious relations, while facing major crises linked to sexual abuse within the clergy. This pivotal moment opens the way to a conclave, where the cardinals will have to choose a successor from several figures representing various visions of the church. The challenges of this election will go far beyond a simple change of head, relating to the way in which the Church will be defined in a changing world and shaken by contemporary challenges. Thus, this transition challenges the future of the institution and its ability to make a constructively commitment to an increasingly secularized society.