Pope Dies

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced his passing early Monday morning (April 21), citing complications from a cerebral stroke and pneumonia. His death marks the end of a papacy that prioritized social justice, inclusivity, and reform, earning him admiration across religious and political lines.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas. Over the course of his twelve-year tenure, he became known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and commitment to modernizing the Catholic Church. His outreach extended beyond traditional religious circles, engaging in dialogue on climate change, economic inequality, and global peace efforts.

“His passing feels sudden, even though he had been struggling with health issues for some time. Regardless of personal beliefs, it's hard to deny the impact Pope Francis had on the world," NHS sophomore Clare Csaszar said.

The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals before the conclave to elect his successor. The Vatican follows centuries-old protocols to handle the transition, beginning with the certification of death, public display of his body for the faithful to pay their respects, followed by the funeral and burial. The camerlengo, a Vatican official responsible for administering the Church during this period, formally pronounces the pope’s death and assumes temporary administrative duties.

Once his passing is confirmed, Pope Francis’ body is dressed in white robes and placed in a wooden coffin with a zinc lining. A funeral Mass, typically presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican expects thousands to attend, including world leaders and representatives from various religious traditions. His body will lie in state for several days to allow mourners to pay their respects.

Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene for the papal conclave, the sacred process of selecting the next pope. The conclave must begin no later than 20 days after the pope’s death, meaning cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel to vote in early May. Cardinal electors, those under the age of 80, will participate in the voting process, with the number of eligible voters currently around 135. The conclave is conducted under strict secrecy, with all cardinals swearing an oath before ballots are cast.

"I didn’t always agree with him, but I respected how he tried to modernize the Church and bring attention to issues like poverty and climate change. It’ll be interesting to see who they choose to replace him," NHS sophomore Caleigh Ward said when asked her opinion on the pope.

Each cardinal writes their vote on a ballot, folds it twice, and approaches the altar of the chapel, declaring, “I call as my witness Christ the Lord who will be my judge that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected.”

The votes are collected and counted in rounds, requiring a two-thirds majority for a new pope to be chosen. If no candidate reaches the required threshold, ballots are burned, and black smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney to signal to the world that no pope has been selected. The voting continues twice a day until one cardinal secures enough votes, at which point the ballots are burned again, releasing white smoke to announce that the Catholic Church has a new leader.

When a new pope is chosen, he is asked if he accepts the role, and upon agreement, he chooses his papal name. He is then dressed in white vestments and presented to the faithful on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivers his first address, the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to the city of Rome and the world.

Experts emphasize that the conclave is not just a political process but a deeply spiritual and historical event. The Rev. Bryan Pham, a Jesuit priest and associate director for Catholic Studies at Gonzaga University, explained that the conclave follows centuries of sacred tradition, ensuring the Church selects a leader guided by faith. Katherine Bogner, a Catholic scholar, highlighted that the selection is believed to be guided by divine intervention, stating, “While the cardinal electors are the ones voting in the papal conclave, we believe that the Holy Spirit is helping to guide the selection of the new pope.”

Tributes to Pope Francis continue to pour in from across the globe. President Joe Biden called him “a beacon of hope and moral clarity,” while Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra reflected on his commitment to peace and reconciliation, citing his last Easter address calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Catholics worldwide have gathered in churches, lighting candles and reciting prayers in his honor, mourning the loss of a leader who reshaped the modern Church.

"His health had been declining, but it's still hard to believe he's gone. Pope Francis was a leader who evoked strong opinions—some praised him for his openness, others criticized him for pushing boundaries. Regardless of where one stands, his influence on Catholicism and global discourse was enormous. Now, all eyes are on the Vatican to see who will be chosen to lead next,” NHS sophomore Lola Arpi said.

As the Church prepares for the transition, speculation has begun regarding who will be elected as the next pope. Though some predict a European successor, others argue that the Church may elect a pontiff from the global south to continue its commitment to diversity. Regardless of who ascends to the papacy, Pope Francis' legacy of compassion and reform remains a defining chapter in Church history. His passing leaves a profound void, but his teachings and vision will continue to inspire millions as the Vatican prepares to usher in its next leader.

"His leadership meant different things to different people. Some saw him as a breath of fresh air, willing to break from tradition, while others felt he pushed too hard for change. Either way, his death marks the end of a chapter for the Church, and now all eyes are on what comes next," NHS sophomore Jolene Brackett said.