Pope Francis passed away in his home, the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, shortly after Easter. He passed away on April 21, Easter Monday. His cause of death was deemed a stroke and heart failure, according to the Vatican. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell and the Vatican.
Pope Francis served as the pope for 12 years and was the first Latin American pope.
Pope Francis’ birth name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he changed his name in honor of St Francis of Assisi, the man associated with poverty, peace, and environmentalism — all things Pope Francis valued.
During his time as pope, he focused on the poor and making the church humbler and more inclusive. He also fought to better the environment.
Campus Minister Katie Smith said, “Pope Francis was refreshing in that he focused more on the people, and he was very relatable. He was down-to-earth and humble, which is attractive in his legacy. This is what he will be remembered by.”
Admiration and love for Pope Francis are not uncommon.
Deacon Ken Goedeke said, “I loved Pope Francis as pope. He was what was necessary for the church at the time, helping us move into the modern world. The previous popes focused on what the church teaches. Pope Francis took that to the next step and taught how to live the teachings of the church today.”
His funeral was held on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. After the pope’s death, the Catholic Church entered into Novendiales, a nine-day mourning period.
This began on April 26 and lasted until May 4.
While the pope’s death was a severe loss to the Catholic community, it was not a complete shock due to his recent health problems.
He had developed bronchitis earlier in the year, which later progressed into pneumonia, leading to his hospitalization from February 14 to March 23.
Changing the head of the church is a big change for the Catholic community.
Prior to the announcement of the new pope, Ms. Smith said, “Each Pope has specific focuses. The next pope is going to bring about a new sense of qualities.”
Deacon Goedeke commented, “Everything we do as a church takes its direction from the pope. Whoever the next pope is will set a whole new agenda for the church. He has the authority to make whatever focus the church whatever he feels inspired by God to do.”
Following the pope’s death, Catholics around the world wondered how they would be affected. This included the John Carroll community as it is a Catholic Institution.
Deacon Goedeke said, “Other than going through a period of mourning and adding some prayers, I don’t think the long term will affect our school specifically.”
The next pope, Pope Leo XIV, was selected by the College of Cardinals. Also known as a “Conclave,” 138 Cardinals signed an oath of secrecy and gathered within the Sistine Chapel.
This may last from 15 to 20 days. At the end of the Papal Conclave, which lasted only two days, the senior cardinal deacon announced that the Catholic Church had a new pope, and Pope Leo XIV appeared.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American-born Pope. He was raised in Chicago after his birth in 1955. While he was born in America, he is also a Peruvian citizen and lived in Peru for many years.
Prior to becoming pope, Pope Leo played a key role in the church, leading Pope Francis’s team to choose bishops.
He is known for being reserved yet passionate about the faith. Members of the Catholic Church are interested to see how Pope Leo leads the next chapter of the faith.