Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was an unexpected choice due to his age and service background as the first Jesuit Pope and the first from Latin America. As he passed away at 88, up to 135 cardinal electors, 80% appointed by him, are tasked with choosing his successor. Despite concerns that Francis 'packed the court' to secure his legacy, experts suggest that cardinalsâ independent viewpoints will play a significant role in the election, reminiscent of the unpredictability surrounding Francisâ own selection.
When white smoke billowed out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, alerting the public that the 115 cardinal electors inside had concluded their voting, few members of the public might have expected the Catholic Church's 266th Pope to be Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
Bergoglio became the first Latin American Pope and the first non-European Pope in over 1,200 years...known for his asceticism and ministry to the poor.
It's a fact that has left some wondering if the late Pope essentially packed the court to guarantee a continuation of his legacy.
Cardinals are their own men, and even those picked by Francis may have their own opinions.
Collection
[
|
...
]