Trending 
With Pope Francis laid to rest, the Catholic Church’s attention now turns to the upcoming conclave, the traditionally secretive meeting of cardinals who will elect his successor.
Following a funeral attended by an estimated 400,000 people, including world leaders, mourners were granted their first opportunity to visit Pope Francis’s tomb on Sunday.
The large turnout at the funeral was a testament to the late pope’s popularity as an energetic reformer and advocate for the poor and vulnerable.
Many mourners expressed concern about who would succeed Francis, who died at the age of 88. “He ended up transforming the Church into something more normal, more human,” said one mourner, reflecting the sentiment of many who are anxious about the direction the Church will take.
Cardinals are scheduled to hold their fifth general meeting on Monday to finalise the date for the conclave. The voting process will involve cardinals casting four ballots per day until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, with the result signalled to the world by white smoke rising from the Vatican.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg suggested the conclave could take place on May 5 or 6, shortly after the nine-day mourning period ends on May 4. German Cardinal Reinhard Marx indicated the conclave might only last “a few days.”
The funeral, held in St. Peter’s Square, was a blend of solemn ceremony and emotional outpouring for the first Latin American pope.
Following the burial, crowds gathered at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to view his simple marble tomb. Francis was interred in an alcove of the basilica, a departure from the tradition of burying popes within the Vatican.
Mourners described the experience as “very emotional,” expressing admiration for Francis’s kindness, humility, and ability to connect with young people. Many hoped his successor would share his open-mindedness and awareness of current global challenges.
The basilica was packed with mourners, including pilgrims and youth groups who had planned to attend a postponed canonisation ceremony. Many attendees, including those from a Catholic youth jubilee, praised Francis’s environmental advocacy, emphasising its relevance to young people.
Mourners expressed a desire for a pope who would emulate Francis’s ability to connect with people and address global issues like conflict and populism. “I hope we get another pope as skilled as Francis at speaking to people’s hearts,” said one Roman resident.
Cardinal Marx emphasised that the discussion surrounding the next pope was open, focusing on the need for a “universal vision” rather than ideological labels.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a front-runner for the papacy, led a mass in St. Peter’s Square, acknowledging the global representation of the youth groups present.
The cardinals who attended Francis’s funeral will reconvene at Santa Maria Maggiore to pay their respects. Only cardinals under the age of 80, currently numbering 135, are eligible to vote in the conclave, with most having been appointed by Francis.
Experts caution against predicting a successor in Francis’s mould, noting the diverse personalities of recent popes. Francis’s reforms have sparked controversy among conservative Catholics, who hope for a return to doctrinal focus.
Cardinals have acknowledged the gravity of their task. “We feel very small,” said Cardinal Hollerich, emphasising the need for prayer in making decisions for the global Church.
