Pope Francis died this morning, it was announced by the Vatican. He was 88 and had been seriously ill for two months. Now, the first ever South American Pope, Francisco from Argentina, has left us.
[Obituary notice courtesy of ABC News]
The conclave of archbishops is already in session to choose his successor. Until smoke rises from the chamber where the Archbishops meet and seek guidance from God, the world is pope-less!
This is, of course, of little interest to Muslims, Hindus, atheists and even non-Catholic Christians.
A personal perspective
I am not a Roman Catholic. I was christened in the Church of England, raised as a Methodist and later, as a young adult, baptised in the Pentecostal church.
However, as a young teacher I only taught in Roman Catholic schools in England, three of them in fact. As a form teacher and later Head of Year I found myself obliged to go through the Catholic motions. I led assemblies, said the prayers and delivered a "thought for the day" (like a mini-sermon). I attended school masses, although I didn't take holy communion, strictly speaking not allowed for those not baptised as Catholics.
A C of E christening [Photo: Lightstock]
Me and Popes
I happened to be in France in 2005 when Pope John-Paul II "popped his clogs". I was staying with my English friend Alan, a converted Catholic, at his French father-in-law´s house in Metz (Moselle).
We both went to the service in Metz cathedral to celebrate the new Pope, Benedict, a German, who was "selected" after just two days of the conclave.
Metz Cathedral [Photo: Wikipedia]
When Benedict "resigned" in 2013 - unheard of in the history of the papacy - I was aware that the new Pope, Francis, was a Spanish-speaker and allegedly a bit of a reformer. I have to say, as an interested outside observer, Francis turned out to be a disappointment.
Now he's gone and it will be interesting to see who is next. Will they play safe and choose another Italian?
Last word
RIP Francisco. When all is said and done, he was a human being and many will be saddened by his passing. However, he had a good innings.
Being celibate, I assume he has no family to mourn him.
[Image courtesy of Sky News]
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Photos and images:
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