BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – With the world in mourning for Pope Francis, it’s a critical juncture for the Catholic Church deciding who its next spiritual pontiff might be.
That means a conclave. Shrouded in secrecy, the College of Cardinals will soon gather at the Vatican to ensure a new pope’s selection. It typically begins 15 to 20 days after a papal death, allowing for funeral rites and a nine-day mourning period.
Father Leonard from St. Francis de Sales Church says he will be praying and encouraging others to pray as the cardinals deliberate and vote.
“We trust that whoever is elected will be the person that the Lord has chosen to lead the church at this time,” Leonard said. “Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, and before him, Pope John Paul the Second was the first pope from Poland.”
The majority have been from Italy.
“More thought is placed on cardinals from various other parts of the world. So I’m sure the cardinals themselves will be looking primarily from among themselves, from among the College of Cardinals, they call it,” said Leonard. “But it’s not impossible that someone could be selected from outside of that College of Cardinals.”
According to experts, top contenders from Africa, Italy, Southeast Asia, or even America could step into the iconic role.
Like Pope Francis, some are champions of the poor/marginalized, inclusion, and advocates for social justice issues.
