60 Cardinals Meet to Discuss Next Steps after Pope Francis’ Death

Around 60 cardinals assembled this week to start the process of selecting a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. In accordance with established procedures, the College of Cardinals convened at the first General Congregation inside the New Synod Hall to kick off the process leading to the election of a new pontiff. They reiterated their commitment to following the Church’s protocols during the sede vacante period, which marks the time between papacies. Key decisions were made during the meeting, including organizing funeral arrangements, drawing lots for the commission supporting the Camerlengo, and halting all beatification ceremonies until the new pope is chosen. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and the first from the Society of Jesus, passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. Prior to his death, he spent five weeks battling a respiratory illness at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital. The cause of his death, according to Vatican News, was a stroke, leading to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. His funeral is scheduled to take place this Saturday on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump expected to attend. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who served as camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, is currently overseeing the Vatican until a new pope is elected. Farrell praised Pope Francis for exemplifying Gospel values with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially towards the most vulnerable. The world mourns the loss of Pope Francis as the Vatican announces his death.