As Pope Francis' funeral approaches, the focus shifts to conclave discussions among cardinals about future church priorities amid ongoing mourning.
Pope Francis' Funeral Preparations Intensify as Cardinals Meet in Vatican
Pope Francis' Funeral Preparations Intensify as Cardinals Meet in Vatican
Cardinals convene to finalize logistics for the upcoming funeral as thousands gather to pay respects.
In the Vatican on Thursday, priests, pilgrims, and cardinals dressed in somber black robes and red sashes came together to mourn Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday. In this solemn atmosphere, tens of thousands of Catholics paid their final respects ahead of the pontiff's funeral set for Saturday.
While the conclave responsible for electing Francis' successor has yet to commence—scheduled for a date still unannounced—cardinals continued to meet at the apostolic palace. Thursday saw a third congregation meeting aimed at not only organizing the mourning period for the deceased pope but also setting the stage for the upcoming conclave. The growing presence of cardinals in Rome indicates the urgency surrounding the arrangements, as they ponder their collective priorities for the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
During the recent meetings, church leaders have voiced concerns over numerous subjects. Conservative Cardinal Mauro Piacenza articulated a common sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on “the authentic faith” in their discussions. Though much of the public discourse has been centered around funeral logistics, the cardinals must also determine the swift scheduling of the conclave.
As a testament to Pope Francis' influence, around 50,000 individuals have already paid their respects, with many more lining up in St. Peter's Square on Thursday. Among the mourners was Bruna Donato, 70, who conveyed a heartfelt sentiment: “Pope Francis is watching us from up there. He knows who goes and who doesn’t.”
With continued preparations and congregation meetings, the Vatican stands poised at a significant crossroad as it navigates this period of mourning while contemplating the future path of the Catholic Church.
While the conclave responsible for electing Francis' successor has yet to commence—scheduled for a date still unannounced—cardinals continued to meet at the apostolic palace. Thursday saw a third congregation meeting aimed at not only organizing the mourning period for the deceased pope but also setting the stage for the upcoming conclave. The growing presence of cardinals in Rome indicates the urgency surrounding the arrangements, as they ponder their collective priorities for the future leadership of the Catholic Church.
During the recent meetings, church leaders have voiced concerns over numerous subjects. Conservative Cardinal Mauro Piacenza articulated a common sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on “the authentic faith” in their discussions. Though much of the public discourse has been centered around funeral logistics, the cardinals must also determine the swift scheduling of the conclave.
As a testament to Pope Francis' influence, around 50,000 individuals have already paid their respects, with many more lining up in St. Peter's Square on Thursday. Among the mourners was Bruna Donato, 70, who conveyed a heartfelt sentiment: “Pope Francis is watching us from up there. He knows who goes and who doesn’t.”
With continued preparations and congregation meetings, the Vatican stands poised at a significant crossroad as it navigates this period of mourning while contemplating the future path of the Catholic Church.
