The death of Pope Francis has triggered a period of mourning in the Vatican and signals the start of a millennia-old process of picking a new pontiff. It is a procedure steeped in tradition, but one which has been subtly updated for the modern world. Cardinals from around the world must gather for the conclave in which Francis’ successor is selected. It typically takes between two and three weeks for a pope to be chosen, though it can stretch slightly beyond that if cardinals struggle to agree on a candidate. The voting process is kept secret but will take place with the eyes of the world on the Vatican and amid intense scrutiny of the Catholic Church – an institution whose reputation has been stained by the scandal of child sex abuse within its ranks, overshadowing the legacies of successive popes. Here’s what you need to know about the coming days and weeks. What happens during the mourning period? The “Papal Interregnum” – the period between the death of one pope and the election of another – began when Francis passed away on Monday. Cardinals must now decide exactly when the funeral can take place, and after that, when conclave can begin. But much of the timeline is predetermined; the pope’s death triggered the start of nine days of mourning known as the Novendiales, and the pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day after death. The body of the pope must also be displayed at St. Peter’s Basilica for mourning, and a mass will take place on each day. Mourners lined up for miles to see the body of Pope John Paul II, the last serving pontiff to die, in 2005. It is likely that unofficial events will take place in tandem in Buenos Aires, where Francis lived before becoming the Bishop of Rome. In Warsaw, more than 200,000 gathered at the site where John Paul II, then Karol Wojtyla, returned as the new pope in 1979. Then, at the end of the period of mourning, a large funeral Mass will take place at St. Peter’s. This is historically a huge event, with dignitaries expected from around the world. John Paul II’s funeral was attended by then-President George W. Bush and his two predecessors, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. When does the election of a new pope begin? When a pope dies, the dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals calls for a meeting of all cardinals eligible to vote – those under the age of 80. They must all travel to the Vatican to do so. There are currently 136 eligible cardinals. But it’s worth remembering that in 1996, John Paul II set the maximum number of cardinals allowed to participate at 120. Conclave is not expected to begin earlier than 15 days, nor later than 20 days, after the pope’s death – though it could get underway sooner if all the cardinal electors arrive in Rome quickly. Inside the Sistine Chapel, the codified home of conclave, paper ballots are passed out to each cardinal, who writes the name of their chosen candidate below the words “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff”). Technically, any Roman Catholic male can be elected pope. But the last pope not chosen from the College of Cardinals was Urban VI in 1379. When they’re done, each cardinal - in order of seniority - walks to the altar to ceremoniously place his folded ballot into a chalice. The votes are then counted, and the result is read to the cardinals. If a cardinal has received two-thirds of the vote, he becomes the new pope. As many as four votes a day - two in the morning and two in the afternoon - can be held on the second, third and fourth days of the conclave. The fifth day is set aside to break for prayer and discussion, and then voting can continue for an additional seven rounds. After that, there’s another break and the pattern resumes. Pope Francis, a voice for the poor who overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, the Vatican announced. He was 88.Francis was elected in 2013 after Benedict XVI retired.He was the first Latin American pope in history and the first from the Americas. Before he was pope, he was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires.He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, who is revered among Catholics for his work with the poor. What happens when a pope is chosen? News cameras will have their lenses fixed on a chimney on a Vatican rooftop for days - because that’s where the first confirmation of a new pope will be seen. Ballots are burned after the votes, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. If a pope hasn’t been elected, the ballots will be burned along with a chemical that makes the smoke black. If white smoke billows from the chimney, however, it means “sede vacante” (in Latin “with the chair vacant”) is over and a new pontiff has been chosen. Traditionally, about 30 to 60 minutes after the white smoke, the new pope will appear on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square. His papal name will be announced, and the new pope will then speak briefly and say a prayer. His formal coronation will take place days after his election. The last two popes have been inaugurated in St. Peter’s Square. Why does it matter who becomes pope? The election of a pope is a deeply consequential decision for the Catholic Church, whose followers number some 1.3 billion around the world, according to the Vatican. The record and beliefs of the next man to take the mantle will be scrutinized for clues as to the church’s next move. Francis’ election was seen as something of a surprise; the first non-European leader in centuries, whose approach to many social issues was less strict than that of his predecessors. Though he did not radically alter Catholic practices, Francis surprised global observers with comments on homosexuality and the death penalty that were far more accepting than Benedict XVI. Whether the cardinals choose to continue down that path, or revert towards a hardline interpreter of biblical teachings, will be one question that hangs over the election. The consuming abuse scandal is another. In 2013, a group representing survivors of sexual abuse by priests named a “Dirty Dozen” list of cardinals it said would be the worst candidates for pope based on their handling of child sex abuse claims or their public comments about the cases. All but one have aged out of eligibility or died, but undoubtedly the track record of the next pontiff when it comes to responding to and dealing with allegations of abuse will be pored over.
What happens next after Francis’ death? How the Catholic Church will pick a successor
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"Vatican Begins Mourning and Preparations for Election of New Pope Following Francis' Death"
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TruthLens AI Summary
The death of Pope Francis has initiated a period of mourning within the Vatican, marking the beginning of a long-established yet modernized process for selecting a new pontiff. Following his passing, cardinals from around the globe will convene for a conclave, which typically lasts between two to three weeks. However, this duration can extend if the cardinals face challenges in reaching a consensus on a successor. The voting procedure is conducted in secrecy, attracting global attention and scrutiny, particularly in light of the Catholic Church's ongoing struggles with its reputation, marred by the child sex abuse scandal. The mourning period, known as the 'Papal Interregnum,' commenced with Francis' death, triggering nine days of observance called Novendiales. During this time, the pope's body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects, followed by a large funeral Mass attended by dignitaries from around the world, reminiscent of the monumental funeral for Pope John Paul II in 2005.
As the mourning period concludes, the election of a new pope is set to commence, called for by the dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals. Eligible cardinals, those under 80, must travel to the Vatican, with 136 currently qualified to vote. The conclave will not begin earlier than 15 days or later than 20 days after the pope's death, depending on the arrival of the cardinal electors. Inside the Sistine Chapel, cardinals will cast their votes through a secret ballot process, where the candidate receiving a two-thirds majority will be elected as the new pope. The election is crucial for the Catholic Church, which serves approximately 1.3 billion followers worldwide. The next pope's stance on various social issues, especially in light of Francis' more progressive views compared to his predecessors, will be closely examined as will his approach to the church's ongoing abuse scandal. The decision of the cardinals will not only shape the future direction of the church but will also reflect their priorities in addressing the significant challenges that lie ahead.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a detailed overview of the events following the death of Pope Francis, focusing on the traditional processes involved in electing a new pontiff. It highlights the significance of mourning rituals, the conclave, and the broader implications of the Catholic Church's leadership transition, particularly in the context of its historical challenges and current societal scrutiny.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind the publication appears to be to inform the public about the procedural aspects following the Pope's death while subtly emphasizing the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the Catholic Church. By doing so, it seeks to foster a sense of awareness regarding the significance of this event and its potential ramifications for the Church and its followers.
Public Perception
This article aims to create a perception of the Catholic Church as an institution deeply rooted in tradition, yet challenged by modern issues. The mention of the child sex abuse scandals serves to remind readers of the Church's troubled past, which contrasts with the solemnity of the mourning rituals. This juxtaposition may evoke mixed feelings among readers, particularly regarding the Church's credibility and moral authority.
Hidden Aspects
While the article focuses on the procedural and ceremonial aspects, it may overlook or downplay the broader implications of the Church's leadership transition amid ongoing scandals. This selective emphasis could suggest an attempt to steer the conversation away from more contentious issues within the Church, such as accountability and reform.
Manipulative Nature
The article's manipulative potential lies in its framing; by focusing on the rituals and traditions, it could lead readers to overlook pressing questions concerning the Church's governance and the need for transparency. The language used is largely neutral and informative, which serves to present the situation without overt bias, yet it may subtly encourage readers to view the Church's rituals as a form of absolution.
Trustworthiness of the Content
The information presented appears to be factual regarding the procedures of mourning and the conclave. However, the selective emphasis on certain aspects over others raises questions about the completeness of the narrative, suggesting that while the article is grounded in reality, it may not fully encompass the complexities surrounding the Church at this moment.
Connection to Broader Issues
This coverage is part of a larger discourse surrounding the Catholic Church, which is intertwined with ongoing societal debates about morality, leadership, and accountability. The leadership transition may have implications for the Church's public image and its relationship with various communities, potentially influencing economic and social dynamics, particularly among Catholic populations.
Community Support
The article likely resonates more with traditionalists and devout Catholics who appreciate the rituals surrounding the papal transition. It may also appeal to those interested in historical and cultural aspects of the Catholic Church rather than critics focused on its current controversies.
Economic and Market Impact
While the article does not directly address financial markets, the transition in papal leadership could influence sectors related to religious tourism and related industries. Companies that rely on the Catholic demographic may see fluctuations in stocks or interest based on public sentiment towards the new pope.
Geopolitical Considerations
The leadership of the Catholic Church holds significance not only for its followers but also for global geopolitics, particularly in regions where the Church plays a critical role in social and political dynamics. The new pope's stance on various issues could shift global perceptions and alliances, especially in contexts where the Church influences social values.
AI Involvement
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have contributed to the structuring of information and ensuring clarity. Any such intervention would likely aim to present the complexities of the situation in an accessible manner.
Overall Assessment
The article serves as a significant piece of news regarding the Catholic Church's transition after Pope Francis' death, providing essential insights while also reflecting on the institution's historical challenges. It remains crucial for readers to consider the broader context and implications of this transition.