Remembering Pope Francis: A Progressive and Beloved Pontiff
My friend Palemón shared his thoughts on the passing of Pope Francis, stating, “God allowed him to live until Easter Sunday so he could give his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing.” Palemón left the religious path before dedicating himself fully to the Lord but remained deeply committed to Catholicism, practicing it with fervor. I completed his bilingual statement in Spanish by saying, “The Pope hung up his robes—quid quid erat.” Palemón didn’t appreciate this addition, so I explained using Mexican colloquialisms, “Neither the clown nor the dimmer switches took him away,” referring respectfully to death. Pope Francis will be remembered fondly by many, regardless of beliefs, for his humility, understanding of modern times, openness, direct communication style, and love for football—a fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro.
The Papal Transition: Sede Vacante and the Conclave
Upon the end of a papacy, whether through death or abdication (as Benedict XVI did), the Catholic Church enters a period known as “Sede Vacante.” During this time, the institution is governed by the Cardinal Camerlengo and the College of Cardinals until the Conclave begins, derived from the Latin ‘cum clave’ (under lock and key). The Conclave will commence following Pope Francis’s funeral, with cardinals under 80 years of age gathering in the Sistine Chapel to elect his successor.
The Cardinals and the Search for a Successor
There are 135 out of the 252 cardinals worldwide who will attend from all corners of the globe to choose Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s successor. Several candidates are being considered for the role of the new pontiff, and it is hoped that the heir to St. Peter’s Ring will be as progressive as the Argentine Jesuit. I propose a swift and efficient, yet distinctly Mexican, papal succession process: the Pontifical Lottery.
- Cardinal candidates’ names would be placed in an urn, referred to here playfully as “Santas Corcholatas.”
- The youngest cardinal in the College of Cardinals, who remains nameless and most innocent, guided by the Holy Spirit, would draw a card from the urn to select the new Pope.
- This method has reportedly been successful in Mexico, saving time and money compared to traditional cardinal expenses.
A Personal Reflection on Journalism and Learning
Writing this article on April 21, I reflect on my 16-year journey as a columnist for El Economista. Expressing my opinion as an ordinary citizen, I strive to provide insights accessible to readers while occasionally offering unique perspectives and humor. Though my writing has had its share of inaccuracies, blunders, and spelling errors, I remain grateful for the opportunity to learn from engineering colleague Jorge Nacer Gobera and journalist Luis Miguel González.
