Pope Francis was a very different pope compared to others before him, yet loved by many. He sadly passed away on the 21st of April this month after battling illnesses, and died from a heart failure following a stroke. Despite being the head of the Catholic church, he was still loved by everyone across the globe regardless of their religion or views they had.
Why was he so loved? What did he do?
The biggest reason why people loved the pope was how inclusive he was, and how he loved others. He didn’t judge people of other religions, beliefs, or sexuality, despite being a Catholic, like when he said “Who am I to judge?” when he was asked about gay priests, and when he said that those in same-sex relationships are allowed to be blessed. He was the first pope to publicly support same-sex couples having legal protections, and advocated against churches that are against LGBTQ+. He called it “un-Christian” to do so. He wasn’t against other religions, he actively worked with leaders of other religions, and even entered a mosque in Turkey.
He also gave women more power in the church and broke the norms. Women have rarely been in leadership positions in the church, and while he was pope he appointed the first woman leader of a department in the church’s administration. He also gave women the ability to vote at the synod.
What happens from his passing?
While the church is still mourning his death, they are also going to begin the process to find his successor. A papal conclave will begin on May 7th, which is a process in which the cardinals vote for a new pope. A new pope can be any baptized catholic male, but it is almost always one of the cardinals themselves.
During the conclave, the cardinals are separated from the outside world, with no devices, recording, or communication with anyone from outside allowed. A two-thirds majority of the current present electors is needed to elect a new pope, and if a majority cannot be reached on the first day it will continue on for however long it needs to, as there is no time limit for selecting a new pope. They all eat, sleep, and vote in the sealed Chapel.
If the voting doesn’t yield a pope, black smoke comes out from the chimney. If they do successfully elect a pope, white smoke comes out. The elected cardinal will be asked if he accepts becoming pope, and then will say the name he wishes to be called as pope.