LONDON – In a twist of fate, the last foreign dignitary to meet with Pope Francis before his passing was none other than US Vice-President J.D. Vance.

This poignant meeting highlights an urgent and escalating rift within one of the world's oldest religious institutions. The Catholic Church, with its 1.4 billion followers, is now at a crossroads as it grapples with contrasting visions of its future.

On one side stands the late Pope, whose progressive and humanistic approach sought to embrace global issues and promote inclusivity. On the other, figures like Vance represent a faction that aligns more closely with conservative, politically-driven ideologies, often prioritizing traditional values over modern interpretations of faith.

As the Church mourns its leader, the question arises: Who will guide its path forward? With this looming schism, how will the Church reconcile these dramatically opposing views? Vance’s desire to influence this trajectory could spell significant change for millions of Catholics around the globe.

In a world increasingly divided along ideological lines, the Church's next steps are critical. Will it continue in the spirit of Francis, advocating for the marginalized and addressing pressing global crises, or will it retreat into a more insular, conservative stance? The future of Catholicism hangs in the balance.