Summary of “Pope Francis I Has Died. What Happens Now?” from NPR’s Consider This

Released on April 21, 2025

Introduction: The Passing of Pope Francis I

NPR’s Consider This opens with a solemn announcement marking the death of Pope Francis I at the age of 88. Marian Louise Kelly articulates the gravity of the moment for over a billion Catholics worldwide, outlining the immediate rituals that will follow the pope’s passing.

Key Points:

• Announcement of Death: Cardinal Kevin Farrell Kamerlengo formally announces Pope Francis I’s death, initiating the subsequent rites of acknowledgment and mourning.
• Immediate Rituals: The 17-hour wait before the rite of Ascertainment begins, followed by the period of mourning at St. Peter’s Basilica and the forthcoming funeral services.
• Conclave Preparation: The College of Cardinals prepares to convene for the conclave, tasked with electing the new pope.

Interview with Father Thomas Reese: Understanding the Conclave

Marian Louise Kelly engages in a detailed discussion with Father Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and journalist with Religion News Service, to shed light on the intricate process of electing a new pope and the legacy of Pope Francis I.

Remembering Pope Francis

Father Reese reflects on Pope Francis’s transformative impact on the Catholic Church.

“I remember him as someone who really changed the culture of the church. This is a man who hated clericalism. He kept telling bishops and priests to not act like princes, but to be with their people.”
— Father Thomas Reese [03:01]

Key Points:

• Cultural Transformation: Pope Francis was instrumental in altering the church's internal dynamics, promoting humility and accessibility among clergy.
• Anti-Clericalism Stance: His efforts to reduce clericalism emphasized a more servant-oriented leadership within the church hierarchy.

The Conclave Process Explained

The conversation delves into the mechanics of the conclave, the secretive process by which the College of Cardinals elects the new pope.

Key Points:

• Cardinal Electors: 135 cardinals under the age of 80, predominantly appointed by Pope Francis (80%), will gather in Rome for the conclave.
• Voting Procedures: Meetings in the Sistine Chapel will see cardinals voting twice daily in silence and prayer, with extensive discussions occurring outside the chapel.
• Outcome Secrecy: The conclave’s proceedings remain tightly sealed, with ballots burned post-vote, ensuring the confidentiality of individual votes.

Priorities for the Next Pope

Father Reese outlines the three main criteria cardinals consider when selecting their successor:

1. Alignment on Church’s Future: The candidate must share the cardinal’s vision for the church’s direction.
2. Personal Relationships: A good rapport ensures effective communication and collaboration post-election.
3. Global Appeal: The new pope should resonate positively within the cardinal's respective regions and countries.

“We will see someone who will talk about continuity with the legacy of Pope Francis.”
— Father Thomas Reese [05:16]

Key Points:

• No Radical Shifts: Given that most cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, the expectation is continuity rather than drastic changes in church leadership.
• Potential Continuity: The new pope is likely to uphold and continue Francis’s initiatives and values.

Potential Candidates and Factions

The discussion addresses whether there are frontrunners and the existence of internal factions within the College of Cardinals.

Key Points:

• Lack of Clear Frontrunners: Similar to past conclaves, unexpected candidates like John Paul II and Francis emerged as surprises, suggesting unpredictability in the current conclave.
• Factions Present, But Minor: While conservative cardinals advocating for traditionalism are vocal, they represent a minority within the College, indicating a preference for progressive leadership.

“We are not going to see someone elected who stands up and says that the papacy of Francis was a disaster and we're going back to the old church.”
— Father Thomas Reese [05:35]

Geographical Influences on Selection

Geography plays a significant role in shaping the priorities and preferences of the cardinals.

Key Points:

• Global South vs. Global North: Cardinals from the Global South emphasize issues like poverty, economic systems, globalization, and migration, while those from the Global North focus on ecumenism, Jewish relations, and addressing the sex abuse crisis within the church.
• Diverse Concerns: These regional priorities impact the selection, ensuring that the new pope can address a wide range of global issues.

“Different parts of the world have different concerns.”
— Father Thomas Reese [06:13]

Transparency and Timing of the Conclave

The conclave’s opaque nature raises questions about transparency, while its duration remains a point of curiosity.

Key Points:

• Limited Transparency: The conclave’s sealed proceedings mean that the public and media can only infer the reasons behind the pope’s selection based on post-election statements from the cardinals.
• Expected Duration: Historically, conclaves haven’t exceeded three days, suggesting a relatively swift election process despite the initial secrecy and internal discussions.

“We will get someone who will talk about continuity with the legacy of Pope Francis.”
— Father Thomas Reese [05:16]

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Marian Louise Kelly wraps up the episode by highlighting the imminent transition within the Catholic Church and the anticipation surrounding the conclave. The discussion with Father Thomas Reese provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the election process, the potential direction of the church’s future leadership, and the enduring legacy of Pope Francis I.

Final Thoughts:

• The Catholic Church stands at a pivotal moment, navigating the transition from a long-serving and culturally influential pope to new leadership.
• The conclave’s outcome will shape the church’s trajectory in addressing contemporary global challenges and internal reforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Father Thomas Reese [03:01]: “I remember him as someone who really changed the culture of the church. This is a man who hated clericalism. He kept telling bishops and priests to not act like princes, but to be with their people.”

• Father Thomas Reese [05:16]: “We will see someone who will talk about continuity with the legacy of Pope Francis.”

• Father Thomas Reese [05:35]: “We are not going to see someone elected who stands up and says that the papacy of Francis was a disaster and we're going back to the old church.”

• Father Thomas Reese [06:13]: “Different parts of the world have different concerns.”

This episode of Consider This offers an insightful exploration into the Catholic Church’s succession process, providing listeners with the necessary context and expert analysis to understand the significance of Pope Francis I’s passing and the profound implications for the future of the church.