New pope will likely move slowly to enact any change

Cardinals attend a mourning Mass for Pope Francis on the fifth day of Novendiali (nine days of mourning after the Pope's funeral) at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, April 30, 2025. PHOTO/REUTERS

What you need to know:

  • New pope likely to leave top officials in place, for now
  • Early comments, first meetings might signal plans for change
  • It will take years to renew ranks of bishops and cardinals