Human Events Daily with Jack Posobiec: "Holy Monday and the Passing of Pope Francis - Who's Next?"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Human Events Daily, host Jack Posobiec delves into the unexpected passing of Pope Francis and explores the implications for the Catholic Church's future. Joined by Dr. Taylor Marshall, a former Navy intelligence veteran and author, the discussion navigates the traditional versus modern dynamics within the Church and anticipates the direction of the upcoming papal conclave.

Passing of Pope Francis

[00:45 - 01:25] The episode opens with the announcement of Pope Francis's death. Jack Posobiec states, “He was the 266th pope and the first Latin American head of the Catholic Church” ([00:58]). Dr. Taylor Marshall provides context, noting Pope Francis’s health challenges and his unexpected passing shortly after his final public appearance ([01:03]).

At 7:35 AM, Jack announces: “Francis... returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church” ([01:25]).

Donald Trump adds to the moment by sharing a statement he posted: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis” ([01:34]). He further emphasizes his respect, saying, “He was a good man, worked hard. He... loved the world” ([01:49]).

Immediate Aftermath and Mourning

Jack outlines the immediate procedures following the pope's death. He explains the confirmation of death by the camerlengo, the breaking of the fisherman's ring, and the commencement of the nine-day mourning period during which all official church business halts ([02:06]). He speculates on the possible changes in burial practices, hinting that Pope Francis might not be interred in the crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica.

The Conclave and Future of the Catholic Church

[02:06 - 10:58] Transitioning to the conclave, Jack details the process of electing a new pope. He highlights that only cardinals under 80 years old are eligible to vote and describes the traditional signals of white or black smoke indicating the election of a new pope or the continuation of balloting, respectively.

Jack passionately calls on traditional Catholics to make their voices heard: “Pray the rosary loudly in Latin. Make your voices heard” ([07:35]). He ties this call to a broader movement, suggesting that America is on the brink of a traditional awakening within the Church. He asserts, “Welcome to the second American Revolution” ([02:06]).

Interview with Dr. Taylor Marshall

[06:25 - 19:42] Dr. Taylor Marshall joins the discussion, reflecting on the potential shift within the Church post-Pope Francis. He poses critical questions about whether the next pope will continue Francis's legacy or represent a sharp departure towards traditionalism ([06:30]).

Marshall emphasizes the growth of traditional Catholicism, citing increased baptisms and a resurgence of traditional practices: “We saw, you know, Tulsi Gabbard's son willingly decided to join and become a Catholic this year” ([08:49]). He anticipates that the conclave may elect a pope who is fiercely orthodox, aligning with traditional Christian values: “It's a pope who was out there preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, even if it is unpopular” ([10:58]).

Emerging Traditional Catholic Movement

[10:58 - 18:49] Jack Posobiec discusses the burgeoning traditional Catholic movement, attributing its rise to backlash against secularism and the perceived excesses of modernist policies, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes a significant increase in church attendance and the popularity of traditional masses and Christian media content ([09:00]).

Marshall corroborates this trend, noting substantial numbers of young people converting to Catholicism and traditional practices gaining traction: “70 young people baptized in the Catholic Church” ([10:58]). Both assert that this movement is pivotal for influencing the conclave's outcome.

Potential Candidates for the Papacy

[14:04 - 19:31] The conversation shifts to potential candidates for the next pope. Dr. Marshall highlights several cardinals likely to be considered:

• Cardinal Robert Serra of Guinea: Described as a staunch conservative and defender of traditional Catholic values. Marshall advocates for Serra, stating, “We really couldn't do better than Cardinal Robert Serra of Guinea” ([14:41]).

• Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary: A conservative canon lawyer known for his adherence to church doctrine and administrative prowess. Marshall suggests he could bridge traditional and moderate factions ([18:30]).

• Cardinal Fridolin Ambogo Basungi of the Congo and Cardinal Raymond Burke of the United States: Both represent conservative voices within the Church, though they are considered long shots ([25:30]).

Marshall discusses the challenges of securing a two-thirds majority in the conclave, noting that the diversity of opinions among cardinals may require electing a compromise candidate ([15:48]).

Influence of Political Icons

[22:49 - 35:06] The episode features contributions from Donald Trump and Roger Stone, who analyze the conclave's dynamics through a political lens. Stone outlines the voting mechanics and potential candidates, emphasizing the influence of Pope Francis’s appointments on the conclave's outcome ([22:49]).

Trump critiques the exclusion of cardinals over 80 from voting, arguing it undermines the electoral process’s wisdom and experience: “Why would you exclude those over 80?” ([28:03]). He speculates that Pope Francis may have pre-selected a successor aligned with his progressive views, expressing disappointment in the current Church’s direction: “This pope... an anti-establishment... favors abolition of private property rights” ([29:05]).

Jack and Dr. Marshall continue to discuss the implications of these political influences, with Marshall emphasizing the importance of electing a pope who upholds traditional doctrines to foster the Church’s growth and alignment with conservative values ([32:36]).

Conclusion: A Traditional Awakening and Future Outlook

In the closing segments, Jack Posobiec and Dr. Taylor Marshall underscore the significance of the Church's turning point. They highlight the resurgence of traditional Catholic practices and the collective movement towards orthodox values across global Catholic communities. Jack quotes Jesus Christ as “firing you up” with Blackout Coffee, symbolizing the energizing of the traditional movement ([35:02]).

Dr. Marshall echoes the transformative potential of this period, asserting that the Church is witnessing unprecedented growth and spiritual renewal: “This is a miracle and I think it's beautiful and I think it's incredible” ([35:06]). Both emphasize that the forthcoming conclave will be decisive in shaping the Catholic Church’s trajectory, advocating for a return to foundational Christian principles.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Posobiec ([01:25]): “Francis... returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.”

• Donald Trump ([01:34]): “Rest in peace, Pope Francis.”

• Jack Posobiec ([02:06]): “Welcome to the second American Revolution.”

• Dr. Taylor Marshall ([06:30]): “Will the cardinals elect a man that is noticeably against or contrary to the current trajectory?”

• Donald Trump ([28:03]): “Why would you exclude those over 80?”

• Dr. Taylor Marshall ([14:41]): “We really couldn't do better than Cardinal Robert Serra of Guinea.”

• Jack Posobiec ([10:58]): “Next Easter will be fivefold. It'll be tremendous.”

• Dr. Taylor Marshall ([35:06]): “This is a miracle and I think it's beautiful and I think it's incredible.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Human Events Daily provides a comprehensive examination of a critical moment in the Catholic Church's history. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, Jack Posobiec and Dr. Taylor Marshall articulate the complexities surrounding Pope Francis's legacy and the promising resurgence of traditional Catholicism. The episode serves as a clarion call for believers to engage actively in the Church’s future, emphasizing the transformative power of faith-driven leadership.