Like many of you I watched as the world paused to honor the Spiritual leader of the Catholic faithful, Pope Francis. His death triggers many ceremonial events and formal directives. This time of honor and looking to the future has many elements that each of us may wonder about. To find answers, I visited St. Vincent De Paul church to speak with Reverend Mister Bill Klug. He is serving in place of the congregation’s regular leader who is out of town. I found him to be very knowledgeable and welcoming to my inquiries concerning this rare happening.

“We as the church perishers will now come together as part of history, now that Pope Francis is gone. The church will now reform itself around the repose soul “of the” Pope Francis teachings, and the conclave then will come together in prayers and masses along with understanding to try and understand what the Holy Spirit wants us to do in the choosing of the new leader,” stated Deacon Klug.

Who chooses the next Pope? The Cardinal-electors are those members under the age of eighty. Currently there are 252 cardinals. Only 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will be permitted inside the conclave. Typically, there are 120 that are in the sequester Sistine Chapel. They pray, speak to the gathered and consider the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” Of those 135 who will vote for the next pope, Pope Francis appointed 108 of them. Will his choices reflect his values in guiding the church’s future, we will see in the coming years.

Just a short time ago, Pope Francis moved before the faithful as he gave the Easter Blessing. This year, 2025 was no different for Pope Francis who’s failing health had many fearing he could not deliver those traditional words of inspiration. Pope Francis’s major health problems of recent times did not prevent his smiling and blessing of the faithful. Less than 24 hours later, the Man of the People from Argentina who rose to the top of the Church, was gone.

Pope Francis was both loved and disdained for his progressive views. Conservatives around the world saw his direction for the church as weakening it. Pope Frances saw his Mission to speak for the less fortunate and seek the wealthy to help their fellow man.

History of Pope Francis’s time as Pope, and head of the church, along with world history will be debated as their legacy for many years. One thing that was for sure, he was a humble man who truly felt the pain of not only his people, but the worlds less fortunate. The position of Pope is an exalted position with many larger-than-life benefits. Pope Francis chose to live as closely to his people as possible.

Following the Pope’s funeral, 135 Cardinals wearing the time-honored ropes of red, will be closed inside the Sistine Chapel and begin the process of choosing a new leader of the faith. Although the Pope is the spiritual leader of the people, there is little doubt that Cardinals, strong in the letter of faith, will face off against those who believe the church must change and grow to lead in these changing times. Never abandoning the Commandments laid down to Moses from God, but in a world of dwindling faith, a new Pope must find a way to be a servant to all people, both rich and poor.

Pope Francis was the 266th in the line of Popes, which began during the 2nd century. Eighteen centuries ago, a man named Shimon was born, son of Yonah. His father was a Jew from Judaea. The Catholic Church recognizes him as the first bishop of Rome appointed by Jesus and therefore the first pope. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is named after him.

With the passing of the Pope, there are several ceremonial events that happen within the church. First the door to his room is sealed. It is considered to be a silent proclamation of official grief on the passing of the current Pope, a time of sede vacante (vacant seat).

Pope Francis wore a ring created only for him. In the past the ring was used to stamp a seal of his Holiness to make sure it was approved by himself. Today, it is mostly symbolic. Often referred to as the Fisherman’s Ring, its destruction after a Pope’s passing, is to prevent legitimizing documents after his passing.

Although the Pope is the leader of just the world’s Catholic followers, it affects most religions in the world in some ways. Perhaps because the Pope’s larger than life position on the world stage gave him a bully pulpit on world issues today. And most people feel some loss of a man who dedicated his life to the people and the Holy Spirit.

The time and date of his funeral was selected during a meeting of the cardinals within the Vatican. Pope Frances wanted as little pomp and circumstances as possible. This was always his wish, wanting not to elevate himself above the people. Pope Francis wishes will break from papal tradition in both his funeral and burial requests. Nine-days of mourning; then the certification of death. His body was placed in his coffin on Monday the 21st. As many as 250,000 people from all over the world and of every faith filed past his coffin.

Last Saturday the 26th of April at 10 am. The final services for Pope Francis were held in St. Peter Square. He was to be laid to rest in Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a break in tradition from popes of the past. The Basilica is in a part of Rome where he felt closer to the people. His final resting place will not be adored with anything more than his name. A Man of the people has now returned to God’s House to be at peace for the ages.

Jesus taught that man should not be judged or ruled over by those with more means than themselves. He knew that wealth and power may blind their way into the ever after. He never once turned away from those with less. He saw that those whose wealth and pride lifted them in society pulled them further from the words of God. Pope Francis knew only the love of the people and he realized when his time came, he would go on to a prepared place that the faithful could follow.

Next week a view of the happenings inside the Sistine Chapel in the time-honored process of choosing a new pope within the conclave as seen Through the Lens.