On April 21, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. Francis first took the position of Pope in 2014 as the first Latin American Pope. He made a huge impact on people’s lives, most well-known for his inclusivity and advocacy. Pope Francis said in a response to Atheists, “Truth, according to the Christian faith, is God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Therefore, truth is a relationship.”
He made several changes in the Vatican, such as the Amoris Laetitia. This document fought for the LGBTQ+ community, single parents and divorced parents. He helped to unite people and looked past their differences. He was best known for his humility shown in not only his simple lifestyle with habits, but also his dedication to care for others and the world.
“He was such a role model in my faith and helped me to really commit to it,” senior Allaina Moore said.
He was last seen on Easter Sunday as he blessed St. Peter’s Square Pope. Throughout the years his leadership helped to unite countries as well as bring communities together. He worked in politics to bring peace and restore relations. He helped to restore Cuba and the United States bond and worked towards peace in Cuba and Israel.
“Seeing different backgrounds being welcome in a church that used to look down upon then really showed how loving Pope Francis was to everyone,” sophomore Caylen Jefferies said.
Now, changes are to come as the College of Cardinals must start the Conclave. On May 17, all cardinals under the age of 80 will meet in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. The process is full of votes and rituals to decide who will take the position as the 267th Pope. In order to be picked one must have a two-thirds plus one majority vote. They will revote each day until the majority makes a final decision. If voting lasts more than three days, a day of prayer is required before they resume.
“As the Roman Catholic Pope’s influence extends beyond the Roman Catholic Church, the Cardinals’ process for discerning who is the best person to lead their Faith is important,” Priest Keith Frase said.
When the decision is final, they will burn the ballots which will release white smoke and the sound of church bells to announce to the people: the Roman Catholic Church has elected a new Pope. This historic tradition is a big part of what makes the Pope a key figure in Catholicism.
