Cardinals Strategize for Pope Francis' Funeral and Future Conclave

In the wake of Pope Francis' passing, the Vatican is abuzz with activity as cardinals gather to lay the groundwork for his upcoming funeral while also preparing for the eventual conclave to elect the next pope. As priests, pilgrims, and cardinals clad in black and red mingled in the streets, thousands of Catholics paid their final respects to Francis, whose body is lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica.

On Thursday, cardinals attended their third congregation meeting since the pope's death on Easter Monday, focusing on logistics for the mourning period and discussing priorities for the future. Although the Vatican has yet to announce a date for the conclave, the preparatory meetings are critical as they not only deal with funeral arrangements but also set the stage for the next pontiff's election. With many cardinals recently arriving in Rome, the atmosphere is palpable with mourning and reflection on Francis' legacy.

During discussions, conservative Cardinal Mauro Piacenza emphasized the importance of reaffirming the church's authentic teachings. Historically, pivotal moments during such gatherings have led to transformative changes within the church, as seen with Cardinal Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis after a significant speech in 2013 advocating for a church focused on the marginalized.

Since Wednesday, approximately 50,000 individuals have already paid their respects, with mourners like Bruna Donato indicating the personal connection and reverence felt for Francis. As the Vatican prepares for his funeral on Saturday, the world watches closely, eager to witness how the church will navigate this transition in leadership.