|
On Monday morning in Rome Cardinal Kevin Farrell Camerlengo or Cardinal Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church announced the death of Pope Francis I.
That was followed some 17 hours later by the rite of ascertainment. A formal acknowledgement of Francis' death...and the transfer of his body to his coffin.
And it's one a few of the many centuries-old rituals that will play out over the next several days as the church mourns Pope Francis.
There will be the mourning of the faithful as Francis' body lies in St. Peter's Basilica. A funeral, where Francis will be remembered by his fellow priests, followers and world leaders. Then, the Conclave where the College of Cardinals will meet to choose his successor.
Pope Francis has died at 88. Now the church has to chart a course without his leadership. Who will be his successor, and what path will he choose?
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
|
RELATED ARTICLES | | |
|
 Thousands of tourists and pilgrims who flocked to Rome for Holy Week were dazed with shock at news of the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican made the announcement on Monday morning, a day after his open-topped popemobile was driven through crowds cheering "viva il papa!" on Christianity's holiest day.
|
|
"In terms of legacy, he leaves some very big shoes to fill," journalist John Allen Jr. said Monday about Pope Francis.
|
|
After the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the question looming around the world is, who will become the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church? Experts weigh in.
|
|
