Papal in-tray: New Pope will have to hit ground running on many urgent issues

From conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, to migration, the climate crisis and schisms in the church, the honeymoon period will be short

Cardinals attend a Mass prior to the start of the conclave, at St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican, on Wednesday morning. Picture: Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP via Getty Images

In the coming days, the Catholic church will have a new leader, cheered by the faithful in St Peter’s Square. Once the prayers are over and the crowds have dispersed, what issues must the new pope grapple with?

1. Church unity