The World Mourns Pope Francis and Awaits Anew Beginnings

A Pope of the People. RIP. 🕊️

In the mystery of divine timing, he departed only hours after proclaiming Christ’s Resurrection—leaving this world in the afterglow of Easter, his life’s work complete at what many consider a moment of life's greatest hope.

I’m deeply saddened by his passing. His loss feels even heavier given the need for more compassion and dignity today and because I deeply respected his values—his commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and humble leadership.

As I type this, I find myself in tears with both gratitude and grief for a life devoted to service, and as I think about the millions of Catholics around the world my thoughts are with you.

God bless him.

Rest in Peace Pope Francis. 🕯️

Sincerely,

Nicole

Cover: Artist Raul Berzosa

Inner Photo: Nicole Ponseca, Vatican, September 2022

Back Photo: Getty Images

Remembering the Man Behind the Miter

Pope Francis holds a record under his arm as he leaves the Stereo Sound record shop in Rome January 11, 2022.

(CNS photo/Javier Martinez-Brocal, Rome Reports)

When my father passed, I found myself wondering not just about his role in my life, but about who he truly was as a man—his quirks, his persona, his inner world. I’ve been doing the same with “Papa,” Pope Francis.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to working-class Italian immigrants, he grew up speaking both Spanish and Italian and once dreamed of becoming a chemist—or even a tango dancer. He took the bus, cooked his own meals, and chose to live in a modest guesthouse in Vatican City rather than the traditional papal apartments. These weren’t symbolic gestures. They were extensions of a life shaped by humility, austerity, and care for the everyday person.

He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Global South, and the first to take the name “Francis”—inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who gave up wealth for radical compassion. That choice set the tone for a papacy defined by compassion, climate action, calls for mercy over judgment, people over power.

He led during an age of crisis—through COVID, climate disaster, political division—and yet insisted the Church meet the world with grace. He championed interfaith dialogue, spoke up for refugees, criticized unfettered capitalism, and urged the Church to be less obsessed with rules and more focused on acceptance. He blessed LGBTQ+ Catholics, went against convention of the Church and forgave women who had abortions, and opened doors—sometimes just a crack, but still—for a more inclusive Church. He was not perfect, but he was brave.

-Quote from Jason Farago, 4/24/25, New York Times

And beyond theology, he loved music. Deeply. He found joy in tango and admired the spiritual resonance of Elvis Presley’s gospel albums and Edith Piaf’s haunting ballads and loved the folksy rock of Van Morrison (!). A favorite of mine that we share in common was a tango song by Astor Piazzola entitled, “Milonga del Angel”. Long before his papacy, he was known to frequent a small Roman record shop near the Pantheon—just a man in a long black coat, looking for beauty in sound.

The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio

“A Closer Look at Pope Francis’s Favorite Painting.” By Jason Farago, New York Times

Foods Pope Francis Enjoyed

1. Empanadas

A favorite from his native Argentina. He often mentioned his love for these savory pastries, usually filled with beef, onions, and spices—comfort food from his childhood.

2. Mate (pronounced MAH-teh)

An herbal tea made from yerba mate, traditionally sipped from a gourd with a metal straw (bombilla). It’s a cultural staple in Argentina, and Pope Francis was frequently seen drinking it—even as pope.

3. Dulce de Leche

This beloved Argentinian caramel spread was something he enjoyed, especially on toast or in desserts like alfajores (shortbread sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche).

4. Italian Dishes

Born to Italian immigrants, Pope Francis grew up eating Italian home-cooked meals—pasta with olive oil, risotto, and simple soups. He was especially fond of gnocchi. It's traditionally served in Argentina on the 29th of each month (ñoquis del 29), often with a simple sauce or just olive oil and cheese, and accompanied by the custom of placing money under the plate for good fortune.

5. Simple, Fresh Meals

As pope, he continued to favor modest meals—fruit, skinless chicken, and steamed vegetables. His go-to breakfast was reportedly an orange juice, a coffee, and a bit of toast.

6. Gelato

Though not indulgent, he was said to enjoy a scoop of gelato from time to time—especially flavors like vanilla or hazelnut.

What Happens Next: A Timeline

Day 1–9: The Novemdiales, a traditional nine-day mourning period, is observed in the Vatican with public prayers and masses.
Likely Day 4–6: The Pope's funeral will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica, expected to draw heads of state, clergy, and faithful from across the globe.
Day 10–15: Cardinals begin logistical preparations for the conclave, including taking an oath of secrecy.
Day 15–20: The Conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinal-electors cast ballots until a two-thirds majority is reached and white smoke rises.

How the Next Pope Is Chosen:

A Closer Look

When a pope passes away or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period called sede vacante—Latin for “the seat is vacant.” The process of selecting a new pope is called the conclave, and it takes place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote; there are currently about 120 of them from around the world.

Here’s how it works:

The cardinals are secluded in the Sistine Chapel, where they are not allowed to communicate with the outside world.
Each cardinal writes the name on a ballot inscribed within summum pontificem—“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”.
The votes are counted, and a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected pope. For example, if all 120 eligible cardinals are present, a candidate would need 80 votes to win.
The process allows for up to four rounds of voting per day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until someone reaches the required number of votes.

After each round of voting, the ballots are burned in a special stove, and the smoke that rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel signals the result to the world:

Black smoke means no decision has been reached.
White smoke means a new pope has been elected.

Once white smoke appears, bells ring out over St. Peter’s Square, signaling that a new pope has been chosen. The elected cardinal is then asked if he accepts the role. If he does, he selects a papal name, is dressed in the papal vestments, and prepares to step onto the balcony. The senior cardinal deacon then announces to the world: Habemus Papam—“We have a Pope”—and introduces the Church’s next spiritual leader.

Who Are the Top Contenders?

Zuppi (Italy), Turkson (Ghana) & Tagle (Philippines)

Although the Church does not release official lists, Vatican observers and theologians suggest three likely frontrunners:

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): A progressive voice with a focus on peacebuilding and social justice.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Charismatic and widely admired; he would be the first Asian pope in modern history.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): A longtime advocate for climate action and economic reform within the Church.

We may hear the announcement of the new pope as early as three weeks after the funeral.