Mourning and Speculation Surround Pope Francis’ Successor
On Sunday, thousands of people visited the tomb of Pope Francis in Rome following his funeral, which drew a massive crowd of around 40,000 participants. The question on everyone’s mind: who will replace the first Latin American pope?
Pope Francis’ Legacy and Impact
Pope Francis, the 266th sumo pontiff, was known for his simplicity and dedication to the poor, abandoned, and forgotten. His funeral was attended by world leaders such as Donald Trump, Javier Milei, and King Felipe VI of Spain. Many young people who had come to Rome for the canonization of Carlo Acutis, postponed their plans and visited his final resting place instead.
His tomb, located in a side chapel of the fifth-century basilica, reflects his image of simplicity. It is situated in an old candlestick cabinet between two confessionals, with “Franciscus” – his papal Latin name – as the only inscription on the marble slab from his ancestral Italian region. A replica of the “good shepherd” cross he always wore on his chest crowns the monument.
Preparations for the Papal Conclave
The date for the papal conclave to choose the next pope is expected to be announced on Monday after a meeting of cardinals. The ecclesiastical hierarchy wanted to wait for the Jesuit Argentine’s funeral before convening them.
Among the 135 electors – cardinals under 80 years old – will vote four times a day, except for the first round, until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The outcome will be shared with the world through the burning of ballots, releasing either smoke (white for “Habemus papam”) or soot (black for no decision).
Timeline and Speculations
The conclave’s start date could be known by Monday at 09:00 (07:00 GMT), as the cardinals plan to meet for their fifth gathering since Pope Francis’ death. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg suggested it might begin on May 5 or 6, following nine days of mourning. His German counterpart, Reinhard Marx, estimated it could last only “a few days.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pope Francis? Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an Argentine Jesuit who served as pope from 2013 to 2022, becoming the first Latin American pope.
- What is a papal conclave? A meeting of the Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals to elect a new pope. The term comes from the Latin “cum clavis,” meaning “under key,” signifying secrecy.
- How is the new pope chosen? The 135 elector cardinals, those under 80 years old, will vote until a candidate secures at least two-thirds of the votes. The outcome is communicated through smoke signals from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.
- When will the conclave begin? The date is expected to be announced on Monday, with a possible start between May 5 and 6.
