Cardinals to Meet After Pope Francis' Death

Post by: Omar Nasser

Photo : Reuters

Pope Francis, 88, passed away suddenly on Monday after having a stroke and cardiac arrest, the Vatican said. His death marks the end of a papacy that was full of challenges. He often disagreed with traditional members of the Church but was a strong voice for the poor and those who are left behind in society.

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Earlier this year, Pope Francis was in the hospital for five weeks because of double pneumonia. After his recovery, he returned to the Vatican and even appeared in public at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, seeming to be better.

His sudden death has begun the Church’s long-held traditions to transition from one pope to the next. This includes breaking the Pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and lead seal so no one can use them again.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti led prayers on Monday evening in St. Peter's Square, saying, "We thank God for the gifts Pope Francis gave to the Church, a pilgrim of hope."

All cardinals in Rome are invited to meet at the Vatican on Tuesday at 9:00 AM (0700 GMT). They will discuss the funeral and make plans for it.

Leaders from around the world will attend the funeral, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Other leaders, like Argentina’s President Javier Milei, will also be there. The funeral is expected to happen between Friday and Sunday. In his last wishes, Pope Francis asked to be buried in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major, not in St. Peter’s Basilica, as is usually the case.

Before the new pope can be chosen, the cardinals will discuss the Church’s activities. The process of electing a new pope, called a conclave, will likely begin after May 6. There are about 135 cardinals who will vote, and it may take several days for them to agree on the next leader.

Pope Francis' Work and Changes in the Church

Pope Francis worked hard to fix many problems in the Church. He tried to clean up corruption and deal with the abuse problems that have hurt the Church.

He appointed many of the cardinals who will choose the next pope. About 80% of the cardinals who will vote were chosen by him. This gives hope that the next pope may continue some of the progressive changes he made.

Before the conclave begins, cardinals will have a chance to meet each other and talk. These meetings are called General Congregations and will help them decide what qualities the next pope should have.

The Vatican has said that the pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday so the people can pay their respects. Pope Francis lived in the Santa Marta residence since 2013, not in the big Apostolic Palace where past popes lived.

The Church is now in a time of change, mourning, and reflection as it waits for a new pope to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.

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