The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has passed away at 88. He died at 7:35 am local time on April 21. The Pope had been dealing with health issues, including a lung infection, and was hospitalized in February. He was released back to the Vatican earlier this month.
A Life of Service
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Pope from South America and the first Jesuit to hold the position. He was known for his progressive views and his focus on social justice. He was a strong advocate for the poor and the marginalized, and he often spoke out against inequality and injustice. During his time as Pope, he traveled to many countries, including Thailand in 2019, to spread his message of love and compassion. His visit to Thailand was seen as a significant moment, as it highlighted the global nature of the Catholic Church.
The Pope’s health had been declining in recent months. He was hospitalized for 10 days in February after suffering from a lung infection. He was released from the hospital but continued to struggle with his health. Despite his poor health, he continued to carry out his duties as Pope, including attending public events and meeting with world leaders. Just a day before his passing, he attended the Easter celebration at St. Peter’s Square and met with US Vice President JD Vance.
Succession Process
The process of selecting a new Pope is complex and involves the College of Cardinals. The cardinals, who are senior bishops in the Catholic Church, will gather in Rome to elect a new Pope. The conclave is expected to take several days, with the cardinals voting until a new Pope is elected. To be elected, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes.
Several cardinals are considered front-runners in the election. They include:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, who is seen as a moderate and has been a key figure in the Vatican’s diplomatic efforts.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo from Hungary, who is known for his conservative views.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Italy, who is close to Pope Francis and has been involved in several high-profile diplomatic missions.
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who is seen as a progressive and has been critical of conservative views within the Church. If elected, he would be the first Asian Pope.
- Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij from Thailand, who is also part of the College of Cardinals.
The election of a new Pope is a significant event for the Catholic Church, and it will be closely watched by Catholics around the world. The new Pope will face many challenges, including the ongoing debate over the Church’s stance on social issues and its response to the changing needs of its followers.