The Pope Has Died

It comes as no surprise that the 88-year-old Pope Francis has died. He had previously spent weeks in the hospital, and when released, was confined to a wheelchair. The Vatican confirmed his passing yesterday at 9:45 AM with a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

His funeral will be on Saturday. After that, there will be a mourning period, and the conclave to elect a new pope will commence.  Cardinals worldwide under 80 will vote on his successor, filling the vacant chair of St. Peter as the leader of the Catholic Church.

There is little question that Pope Francis was progressive during his Pontificate, especially regarding social justice issues. When he issued an official document, it was evident that Francis was not a well-seasoned theologian like his predecessors, St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict. In contrast, Francis’s lack of philosophical and theological acuity led him to embrace some of the tenets of liberation theology. It is a theology based on the plight of the poor and has a temptation to reduce the Gospel to an earthly gospel, and is inherently Marxist.  

Unlike his predecessors, Francis was often seen as sending mixed messages, especially when speaking about gender issues. His lack of clarity frequently confused Catholics and sometimes divided them between progressives and traditionalists, especially in matters of sexual morality. The new pope must reassert the Church’s teaching on these issues without ambiguity. Christ’s mission entrusted to his apostles is to unite, not divide people in the truth of God.

When the cardinals convene for the conclave, they will have several things to consider. First, whether the progressive environment will continue with the next pope or whether there will be a desire to return to a more conservative and traditional direction. Will the next pope have a keen intellect or be more pastoral? Or will they choose one in the middle of these two positions?

Next, the age of the new pontiff will come into play. Do the cardinals want to elect a younger candidate, knowing his reign might span numerous decades, or an older one, someone who is more of a placeholder?

The direction is unknown, and the candidate is only known to God. But the faithful should pray that cardinals exhibit bravery and a willingness to work with the Holy Spirit. It implies setting their wants and wishes aside, accepting the grace of the Holy Spirit to choose a man who will best work for the salvation of souls, and less about working towards a utopia on earth. 

There is a lot of evil in the world, and the next pope, as the Vicar of Christ, must have the courage to stand up against it and “proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.”

The election of the new pope will come soon enough. But for now, pray for the Church and Pope Francis that he now rests in peace (requiescat in pace).

The Easter season reminds us that Jesus is the head of the Church, and with him, she will never fail to work for the salvation of souls.   We need not fear.