Staff Reports
As the news of Pope Francis’ passing begins to sink in, the world watches as the Vatican gears up for a period of mourning, reflection, and eventually, transition. Cardinal Dolan of New York shared his insights with an eager audience about the recent developments and the coming days. While the Pope’s death is a solemn occasion, the Archbishop brought a sense of gratitude for the global outpouring of affection and sympathy.
One significant point of interest is the Pope’s choice of his final resting place: St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. According to Cardinal Dolan, the decision is unsurprising given Francis’s attachment to the basilica. Known for its welcoming nature and outreach efforts to the poor, St. Mary Major mirrors the Pope’s persona of being a “good parish priest.” For those who might wonder, this basilica is one of the four major ones in Rome and somehow manages to balance its grand status with a community-focused spirit.
During times like these, it’s easy to forget the symbolism behind such decisions. Cardinal Dolan pointed out that the basilica holds a special icon of the Blessed Mother, which Pope Francis visited frequently before and after his travels. The connection to Mary and the ordinary folk reflects Francis’s efforts over his papacy to remain in touch with the grassroots, a point that the Cardinal seems to appreciate.
As somber as these days may be, the church has to prepare for the inevitable next steps. Martha, the conservative news host, asked about what to expect with a looming conclave. Cardinal Dolan shed light on this process, explaining the church’s determination to uphold the faith as their central mission. Before the conclave, though, comes a period of mourning—a crucial time for reflection and gratitude for the Pope’s legacy.
One cannot overlook the logistics involved. The entire college of Cardinals is now tasked with the administration of the church’s day-to-day duties. Meanwhile, the preparations for a funeral, the mourning period, and eventually the conclave will unfold. It seems that this period will test the unity and spirit of the cardinals as they transition into their collective responsibilities.
Cardinal Dolan’s observations also hint at the unique challenges that lie ahead. The upcoming conclave, he notes, will involve a diverse range of cardinals, many of whom are not well-acquainted due to Pope Francis’ expansion of the cardinals’ geographical and cultural diversity. This diversity is a reflection of the Pope’s vision of a globally inclusive church—an admirable notion, even if it means the cardinals might need a good atlas to find out where their peers hail from. It’s a family united in faith, navigating a period of loss but also one filled with the promise of renewal.
