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.