Pope Francis lies in state in St Peter's Basilica, drawing lines of faithful and dignitaries who pay their respects following his death. The solemn period began Wednesday, allowing mourners three days to view the pontiff before his funeral service Saturday in St. Peter's Square.
World leaders and heads of state from across the globe have announced plans to attend the funeral, marking a significant gathering on the international stage. Among those expected are United States President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and others, demonstrating the late pontiff's broad reach. President Trump called Pope Francis "a very good man" who "loved the world" upon news of his passing.
As the church mourns, attention turns to the upcoming conclave, the gathering of cardinals who will elect the next pope. This election arrives at a time of significant questions about the direction of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Francis implemented reforms during his pontificate that altered the composition of the College of Cardinals, the body responsible for choosing his successor. He appointed cardinals from previously underrepresented parts of the world, creating a more geographically diverse group of electors. This change may add a degree of unpredictability to the selection process. What happens next after Francis’ death?
Cardinals preparing for the conclave must weigh the church's priorities and the attributes needed in a leader. A key consideration is whether the next pontiff should continue the course set by Pope Francis or steer the church toward a different path. How the next Pope is chosen
Potential candidates, known as "papabile," possess experience and skills suitable for leading the global church. While many were appointed by Pope Francis, the field includes cardinals with varied backgrounds and perspectives. Some observers suggest the future of the church may increasingly look to Asia, leading to speculation about a potential pope from that region. Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle from the Philippines is often mentioned, sometimes referred to as the "Asian Francis" for his focus on social matters. Catholic faithful pay their respects to Pope Francis as lying in state begins
Age is also a factor often considered by the electing cardinals, with recent selections favoring older candidates, potentially indicating a preference for shorter pontificates. Names like Cardinal Mario Grech of Malta and Cardinal Stephen Chow of Hong Kong have been mentioned as possibilities.
The process of choosing a new pope remains cloaked in tradition and secrecy, yet the decisions made within the Sistine Chapel will have profound effects on millions of Catholics worldwide. As President Trump stated, Pope Francis "especially loved people that were having a hard time."
