Pope Francis Dies at 88

[yuna628 9,812]

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Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, has died, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. He was 88.

What to know:

• Cause of death has not been shared: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in an announcement of the death. Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
• The next pope is still to be decided: The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals. Eligible cardinals eventually vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel.
• Francis became pope in 2013: The Argentina-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio brought a breath of fresh air into a 2,000-year-old institution. He took over as the Catholic Church’s influence waned during the troubled papacy of Pope Benedict XVI, whose surprise resignation led to Francis’ election. https://apnews.com/live/pope-francis-dies-catholic-church-updates

[TBoneTX 46,822]

Very gracious of Pres. Trump to order flags at half-staff.

 

Francis looked like death warmed over during his brief Easter appearance.  I honestly wondered if he would make it through that.

 

In my opinion, Francis was a socialist first.  I hope that the conclave picks someone who sticks more to religion.

[TBoneTX 46,822]

Interesting analysis.  Just a fragment pasted here.

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How Pope Francis will be remembered

 

[...] those living with and within the bubble of the daily life of the world's largest Church will remember a different kind of pope – a contradictory and mercurial pontiff who often appeared less like a sure helmsman of the bark of St Peter and more like a man struggling to ride a horse bolting in several directions at once.  [...]

 

https://archive.is/JXJc5#selection-619.42-619.363

[TBoneTX 46,822]

The Next Pope:  Who Are The Frontrunners to Succeed Pope Francis?

 

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is preparing for a transition that will determine its direction for the foreseeable future.  As the first Latin American pope, Francis brought significant change as Bishop of Rome, focusing on social justice, environmental issues and a more inclusive Church.

Now, the College of Cardinals prepares to gather at the Vatican for a conclave that will shape the Church's future.  Their choice won't just name the next leader of 1.37 billion Catholics—it will set the course for doctrine, transparency and the Church's outreach to its flock.

Will the next pope continue Francis's progressive reforms, or will the cardinals pivot back toward theological conservatism?  The answer will be clear when the symbolic white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel.  [...]

 

https://www.newsweek.com/pope-francis-dead-papal-conclave-frontrunners-2035569

[TBoneTX 46,822]

One opinion piece.

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The Late Pope Francis Made the Roman Catholic Church Take a Massive Left Turn

 

The Bishop of Rome and earthly head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has passed away.  He was 88 and has died after a lengthy, lingering illness.

He was the first Jesuit pope and the first pope to have been born in South America (he was born into an Italian family in Argentina).  As the Jesuit order and the Roman Catholic Church in South America both tend to lean to the left, so also did the twelve years of his papacy.

Pope Francis' papacy often sparked controversy, much of which he himself sparked.  He received much criticism over one particular comment, which the Vatican later explained was his own personal opinion and not the Church's position.  The Catholic Herald reported in September 2024 that Pope Francis had declared that "all religions are a path to God."  He explained:  "They are like different languages in order to arrive at God, but God is God for all.  Since God is God for all, then we are all children of God.  If you start to fight, 'my religion is more important than yours, mine is true and yours isn't', where will that lead us?  There's only one God, and each of us has a language to arrive at God.  Some are [Sikh], Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and they are different paths [to God]."  [...]

 

https://pjmedia.com/robert-spencer/2025/04/21/pope-francis-has-died-at-age-88-n4939080

[Boiler 46,757]

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-21764636

 

A Labour MP has apologised for claiming the BBC made a "silly innuendo about the race" of the next Pontiff.

David Lammy was commenting on a BBC Twitter message, which asked "will smoke be black or white?".

Mr Lammy, tweeting from the Commons chamber, said the BBC message was "crass and unnecessary".

He later apologised after Twitter users pointed out the role played by black and white smoke in announcing the election of a new Pope.

White smoke traditionally emerges from a Vatican chimney to signify a new pontiff has been chosen.

The appearance of black smoke above the Sistine Chapel means no decision has been reached, as happened on Tuesday.

 

 

[TBoneTX 46,822]

Pope Francis Cause of Death Announced:  Cerebral Stroke, Heart Attack

 

On Monday, the Vatican released the cause of death determination for Pope Francis:  A cerebral stroke, followed by a coma and a heart attack.  [...]

 

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/04/21/pope-francis-cause-of-death-announced-cerebral-stroke-heart-attack-n2188117

[TBoneTX 46,822]

Awkward Start As Saint Peter Asks Francis If He Can Have His Pope Hat Back

 

GLORY — The afterlife of one of the world's most prominent religious figures got off to an awkward start today, as Saint Peter reportedly asked the newly arrived Francis if he could have his pope hat back.

Witnesses said the uncomfortable interaction occurred just after Pope Francis approached the pearly gates, with the revered Simon Peter allegedly confronting him to ask for the return of his special papal headdress.

"Would you mind handing that over to me, bruh?" Peter reportedly asked.  "I'm sure you've taken good care of it for me, but… you know… I'd appreciate it if I could have it back.  First pope over here.  Thanks."  [...]

 

https://babylonbee.com/news/awkward-start-as-saint-peter-asks-francis-if-he-can-have-his-pope-hat-back

[yuna628 9,812]

I will always remember that Francis was the cause of having no hotels to book on our wedding week in 2015. 😃

 

If you're interested in some good movies related to this topic - Conclave is on Amazon Prime starting today. The Two Popes has been on Netflix for a while and is also excellent.

[mam521 2,398]

17 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Francis looked like death warmed over during his brief Easter appearance.  I honestly wondered if he would make it through that.

My mom has worked in a nursing home for many, many years and she'd said the same - he was too "puffy" she said.  A bit prophetic that he passed after the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ.  

 

It will be interesting to see how long it takes for a new pontiff to be named.  Pope Francis diversified the number of cardinals to include more representation from Asian countries.  

[Boiler 46,757]

 

[TBoneTX 46,822]

Next Pope To Be Chosen Via Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

 

ROME — Following the death of Pope Francis this week, official sources at the Vatican have confirmed that the next pope will be chosen by ninja warrior obstacle course.

According to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Roman Church, Pope Francis' successor will be elected by the College of Cardinals based on the orthodoxy of his doctrine, his commitment to Catholic tradition, and also his ability to complete a ninja warrior obstacle course faster than the competition.  [...]

 

https://babylonbee.com/news/next-pope-to-be-chosen-via-ninja-warrior-obstacle-course

[Dashinka 25,315]

On 4/21/2025 at 4:14 PM, TBoneTX said:

Very gracious of Pres. Trump to order flags at half-staff.

 

Francis looked like death warmed over during his brief Easter appearance.  I honestly wondered if he would make it through that.

 

In my opinion, Francis was a socialist first.  I hope that the conclave picks someone who sticks more to religion.

Yes, he never gave up his failed socialist ideals.

[milimelo 4,600]

All the shots he so rabidly endorsed for others did him in. Stopped after 3, but damage was done. And no, his youth surgery for part of lung removal wasn't it. 1st shot - severe sciatica a week after, 2nd shot diverticulitis, knee issues, can't walk 3rd shot, incisinal hernia (someone effed up surgery so back to hospital?), lung issues including pneumonia, no more walking... 

[Neonred 3,841]

Seems to me being the Pope is a dead end job.