Attention Focuses on Gathering as Visitors Pay Their Respects at Pope Francis’s Final Resting Place

As we bid farewell to Pope Francis, the focus shifts to the upcoming conclave—a secretive assembly of cardinals set to gather shortly to elect a new leader for the Catholic Church.

For the first time, mourners were granted access to visit his tomb this past Sunday. This follows an emotional farewell, where an estimated 400,000 individuals, including global leaders, came together for the Argentine pope’s funeral at the Vatican and his burial in Rome.

The turnout underscores the impact of Pope Francis, an energetic reformer devoted to uplifting the poorest and most vulnerable in society. However, many attendees at the funeral expressed apprehension regarding his successor, highlighting a palpable anxiety during this transition.

“I’m worried about what’s coming,” one mourner shared.

In the morning, the cardinals will hold their fifth general assembly since the pope’s passing, where they are expected to set a date for the conclave. During this confidential process, the cardinals will cast four votes daily until a candidate emerges with a two-thirds majority. The world will witness the outcome as smoke signals—white smoke for a new pope, black for no decision yet—rise from the Sistine Chapel.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg recently indicated that the conclave could take place on May 5 or 6, shortly after the nine days of mourning, which concludes on May 4. German Cardinal Reinhard Marx noted that he anticipates the conclave will last just “a few days.”

In an environment filled with emotion, Francis’s funeral was held in St. Peter’s Square, basking in the bright spring sunshine. It encapsulated both solemn ceremony and heartfelt expression for the Church’s first Latin American pope.

Many have since flocked to Santa Maria Maggiore, his favorite church in Rome, to view his simple marble tomb. Francis has become the first pope in over a century to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.

“It was very emotional,” remarked 49-year-old Peruvian Tatiana Alva, wiping away tears as she joined the lines of mourners. “He was kind and humble, and his language resonated with young people. While I doubt his successor can match his spirit, I hope for someone with an open mind who understands today’s challenges.”

As the basilica filled with visitors, the atmosphere was palpable, with many pilgrims, including Catholic youth groups, present as a part of the Jubilee of Adolescents—an event drawing millions to celebrate the Catholic Holy Year.

Raphael De Mas Latrie, a 45-year-old from France, noted, “We really appreciated Francis’s defense of the environment. His message resonates especially amidst today’s materialistic world, especially with the youth.”

He emphasized that the next pope doesn’t need to be a replica of Francis: “Every pope has a unique message for the world.”

Many mourners expressed hope that Francis’s successor would embrace his values, particularly during these times of global upheaval and rising populism. One Roman attendee, Maria Simoni, age 53, articulated this sentiment: “I hope we find another pope as adept at reaching out to people, regardless of their background.”

Cardinal Marx stated that discussions surrounding the next pope are open, asserting: “It’s not merely a matter of being conservative or progressive. The new pope should embrace a universal vision.”

During a Mass this morning at St. Peter’s Square orchestrated by Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin—who is considered a strong candidate to succeed Francis—200,000 people gathered, including many from Jubilee youth groups. He conveyed the values Francis stood for, telling the young attendees, “He would have loved to meet you, to look into your eyes, and to greet you.”

“With you here, the whole world is truly present,” he added, eliciting applause from the crowd.

Of the Church’s 252 cardinals, more than 220 attended the funeral. They reconvened at Santa Maria Maggiore later to pay their respects at Francis’s tomb. It remains essential to note that only cardinals under 80 can vote in the conclave, and currently, 135 are eligible—many of whom were appointed by Francis himself. However, experts advise against assuming a continuation of his gradual reforms.

Pope Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires known for his warmth and accessibility, stands in contrast to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, a theologian noted for his affinity for academia over outreach. Benedict’s style also differed markedly from that of his predecessor, the charismatic John Paul II.

Undoubtedly, Francis’s reforms stirred dissent among conservative circles who are eager for a return to a more doctrinal focus. Acknowledging the weight of their task, some cardinals have openly reflected on the profound responsibility they bear in selecting the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. “We feel very small,” Cardinal Hollerich acknowledged recently. “We must make decisions for the entire Church, so we need to pray for wisdom.”

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring