Allow me to preface this – while I am a practicing Catholic, I am in no way to be seen as a voice of the Church when I state my opinions and/or feelings on these matters. In a similar note, PLEASE do not read articles from major media outlets assuming what they say is true.

There is no denying the influence of the Catholic Church on society (no matter how badly people may desire to have it sidelined) in moments like these when folks from every friend group and social circle inquire about the processes surrounding the papacy. Considering this only happens a couple times a year in each person’s lifetime, it does take some research to recall all of the steps the Church goes through in the selection process after the proper time allotted to grieve / mourn the loss of the predecessor.

Social media (and the internet as a whole) has played a major role in this new dynamic – the clamor is much more evident as major media outlets try to convince everyone of their authority to speak on the matter, and content creators are having a field day comparing the Arizona Cardinals draft picks to the Conclave. There is certainly some moments for humor to be present, but I humbly ask that everyone also consider the gravity of the situation when cracking jokes… at the end of the day, this process will result in the selection of someone who will act as the voice of Christ for the entire world. Whether you “acknowledge the authority” of the papacy, there is no denying the influence this position has on communities in every single continent.

How will Francis be remembered by the various generations who were around the last decade? For some, there remains a sense of animosity – they did not care for his approach to the liturgy, or some of his statements that were seen as more “liberal” / “inclusive” than predecessors. For others, he didn’t do enough in that regard to bring the Church “closer” to what its people need from its leaders in the 21st century. Nevertheless, he was a leader who was not afraid to speak what was on his heart, and to act on it in the midst of criticism – traits that we can only wish that other positions (i.e. certain political offices in the USA) would consider before they act / speak.

At the end of the day, I am grateful for having lived during his time in this ministry. Francis challenged us to reconsider the status quo in many things he said and did – from the clothes he wore, cars he rode in, beds he slept in – the emphasis on curbing our materialism could not be any more clear. He was compassionate to those who haven’t felt that emotion from someone in a leadership role in quite some time, if ever. His wording, while loving, was also stern in challenging those in power throughout the world to focus their work on more important matters, topics that affect the well-being of every soul.

The conclusion of one of his last writings summarizes the general thought well. From “Dilexit Nos” that he penned last fall: “I ask our Lord Jesus Christ to grant that his Sacred Heart may continue to pour forth the streams of living water that can heal the hurt we have caused, strengthen our ability to love and serve others, and inspire us to journey together towards a just, solidary and fraternal world. Until that day when we will rejoice in celebrating together the banquet of the heavenly kingdom in the presence of the risen Lord, who harmonizes all our differences in the light that radiates perpetually from his open heart. May he be blessed forever.”

My prayers are with the group of individuals tasked this next week with appointing our next leader – I trust that the Holy Spirit will guide their thoughts, words, and actions along the way. If you are concerned about the potential outcome of this process, take comfort in knowing that Christ is King – He knows what is best for us to encounter and overcome, no matter the blessing or obstacle that presents itself to us each day. As many learned with Francis – if you pray for patience, you will be given an opportunity to be patient. If you pray for the faith to grow in others, you will be given the chance to do just that with your own words and deeds. You and I are just as essential to helping others grow closer to Jesus as the new Vicar of Christ will be.