St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church joining mourners around the world in remembering the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning.
Father Gervan Menesez said the Catholic Church has had a swing of emotions the last 24 hours from celebrating Easter to the Pope’s passing. Though many religions may not understand, Menesez said the Pope has a major impact on the people within the Catholic Church.
“He is the one who leads us and you know, guide us to grow closer to Jesus Christ,” Menesez said. “He is a father. He is the one who gathers us together and brings us to Christ, so that’s a big thing for us Catholics.”
Menesez said Pope Francis will be mostly remembered for his message of mercy.
“He was always compassionate, and he was always the one who went to the people, especially those who are marginalized,” Menesez said. “Being from Argentina, he was able to see that firsthand and be able to be with those who are outside of the margins.”
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Church will now begin a process to appoint a new pope. Menesez said the catholic College of Cardinals will meet in Vatican City to host a conclave to elect a new pope. Menesez said to pay attention to the color of the smoke when ballots are burned.
“If they come to a conclusion with the majority of the votes and then they burn those ballots, if it is black smoke, it means that they did not come to a conclusion,” Menesez said. “If it is white smoke, we now have a new pope.”
Menesez said usually, a member of the College of Cardinals becomes the new pope. Menesez said the process will take several weeks.
