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Cleveland Vocations Director Father Eric Garris shares his unexpected experience of being in on vacation in Rome and ending up at Pope Francis' funeral and his last public appearence on Easter Sunday. What began as a trip to celebrate Easter with Cleveland priests studying abroad transformed into a historic moment as Father Garris found himself witnessing history firsthand and becoming a media expert of sorts for various American media outlets. Fr Garris details:

• Originally traveling to Rome for Holy Week and Carlo Acutis' canonization.
• Distributed communion at St. Peter's during Holy Week Services.
• He received news of Pope Francis' death while praying at John Paul II's tomb.
• Joined other priests in the prayers for the dead in St. Peter's Square.
• Attended the papal funeral alongside other Cleveland and Ohio priests.
• Reflected on Pope Francis' commitment to being with his people until the end.
• Discussed the universality of the Church gathering at such historic moments.
• Noted how many young people came for canonization of Carlo Acutis but ended up like him attending a Papal funeral.
• Emphasized trust in the Church's continuity as the conclave approaches.

We also briefly touch on the upcoming papal conclave and set some parameters that the Cardinals might use to determine the next Pope. The Pillar has thoughts, as does the National Catholic Reporter to give two perspectives from both extremes.

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The week's readings on St. Peter and more.

We'll be covering the upcoming conclave beginning May 7th in future episodes. If you have questions of faith, email mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org.

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