In a poignant twist of fate, the last world leader to meet with Pope Francis before his passing was none other than U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance. This encounter isn't just a footnote in history—it symbolizes the growing chasm within the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis, who championed a progressive, compassionate, and globally-minded stance for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, leaves behind a landscape fraught with theological strife. His vibrant vision contrasts sharply with the conservative ideologies held by Vance and a cadre of far-right figures in the United States.

As the Church navigates its future without Francis at the helm, the stakes have never been higher. How Vance and his conservative allies will shape the Church's direction remains a pressing question. Will the Church steer toward inclusivity and compassion or regress to traditionalist views? The divide could redefine the very essence of the Catholic faith and its role on the world stage.