The Death of a pope

My personal reflection on the life and ministry of Pope Francis
On March 13, 2013, I was on bed rest with my daughter who was trying to arrive before her due date.  While I was on bed rest, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Latin American pontiff to be elected to the papacy.  He took the name Pope Francis.  Francis was also my grandfather's name.  At this poignant moment in history, I decided that my daughter would have a second middle name, Frances (the female spelling of Francis), after my grandfather and Pope Francis.  

Fast forward to 2015 when my husband and I would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. We marveled at the wisdom of the Pope who prioritized Catholic families raising children in the Gospel Truth.  I was also the recipient of a ticket to see Pope Francis in the U.S. Senate Gallery for his joint meeting of Congress.  I remember watching Vice President, U.S. Senators, Members of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court come into the Senate Gallery in a single file line, taking their seats as they walked in.  The last to arrive was the guest of honor, Pope Francis.  I remember his cassock glimmering as if covered in thousands of specks of white glitter.  He quite literally shone.  It was a light that I could never describe beyond these words.  No words can describe what it is like to be in close proximity of a Pontiff.  The light of Christ certainly shone through Pope Francis.

This light continued to shine through our Pontiff throughout his time of serving others. In 2020, Pope Francis met with the Special Olympics and declared, "Inclusion should be the first rock on which we build our house."  As a mother to a child with Down syndrome, I am in deep gratitude of Pope Francis' advocacy for those who need many strong voices advocating for inclusion.

Pope Francis made his papal legacy one of ministry by caring for those on the margins.  From advocating for people with special needs, to washing prisoners' feet, to publishing encyclicals caring for our common home, his legacy will live on.  

Just like 9/11 and COVID, this is a moment in history that our children will remember for the rest of their lives. May we teach them how to mourn the passing of a Pope, while praying for our Holy Mother Church and the Papal Conclave that will elect a new Pope. Our Church will soar on the wings of our prayers.

What happens next?
Over the next couple of weeks, the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Italy will be one of the most watched chimneys in all of the world. The College of Cardinals will meet to discern who will be the next Pope.  Black smoke out of the chimney indicates the vote did not reveal the next pope. White smoke means that we have a new pope with the declaration of the words, "Habemus papam!"  Two thirds majority is required during the Papal Conclave to elect a new Pope. But before the votes take place, the world will take time to mourn the passing of Pope Francis. 

Over the next nine days, the Vatican and Catholics around the world will be in a period of mourning called, Novendiale.  His body will be dressed in papal vestments and placed in St. Peter's Basilica for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to participate in public viewing. The funeral will likely take place in St. Peter's Square. Dignitaries from around the world will attend Pope Francis' funeral.  The burial usually takes place 6 days after the death of a Pontiff. Pope Fracis wished to be buried in a coffin made of wood and zinc. Most Popes are buried in the Vatican Grottos of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  However, during an interview in 2023, Pope Francis mentioned that he wanted to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore.  Seven popes' have been buried here, the last being Pope Clement in 1669.

After the death of a Pope, the Church enters into a period of transition where power is handed over to the College of Cardinals, but no major decisions are made until the election of the next Pontiff. Around 15 to 20 days after the death of a Pope, the Cardinals under the age of 80 convene behind closed and sealed doors in the Sistine Chapel of Vatican City.  Voting takes place in four rounds a day until a candidate received 2/3 of the vote. 

Prayer for a Deceased Pope
God, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, didst will that thy servant Francis ... should be numbered among the high priests; grant, we beseech Thee that he, who on Earth held the place of Thine only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of Thy holy pontiffs.  Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. (Roman Missal)