We’re flying to the Vatican (figuratively), thanks to Patrick Madrid’s latest episode. If you’ve been wondering what happens when a pope dies, who shows up, and why Blessed Carlo Acutis’ canonization got paused, then this is your front-pew breakdown.
🕊️First Things First: Pope Francis Has Passed
Patrick starts with a solemn but powerful reflection on the death of Pope Francis and what the Church does next. It’s not just lighting a candle and moving on. There’s a whole sacred process in motion.
🔐 What’s a “Conclave” Anyway?
The word “conclave” comes from Latin: “with a key”, because the cardinals are literally locked in a room to pick the next pope.
In the early Church, the Bishop of Rome (aka, the Pope) was chosen by the people and clergy of Rome… very “democracy meets divine discernment.”
Over time, emperors, politics, and international drama got involved, so the conclave became the super-structured, cardinals-only event we know today.
And yes, the cardinals are arriving in Rome right now.
🧰 Vatican Logistics
Here’s how the Church handles the death of a pope:
Is He Really Dead?
The Camerlengo calls the Pope’s baptismal name three times: “Jorge… Jorge… Jorge…”
Seal the Deal
The Fisherman’s Ring and papal seals are destroyed so no one can sneakily act in Pope Francis’ name.
Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales)
Daily Masses, prayers, and the Pope lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. This is why everything, even canonizations, grinds to a halt. More on that 👇
😇 So… What About Blessed Carlo Acutis?
No canonizations can happen without a pope. Full stop.
The Holy Father is the one who declares someone a saint. No pope, no canonization.
But don’t worry; it’s just postponed, not canceled. Blessed Carlo’s still on deck for sainthood 🖥️.
❓ Is Canonization Infallible?
Ahhh, the theologian’s rabbit hole. 🐇⛪
Some say yes… because the Pope is declaring someone is in Heaven and worthy of veneration, which touches faith.
Others say no because it’s not official Church doctrine.
The Church hasn’t made a final ruling on this yet, so it’s okay to be “Team Probably” or “Team Maybe Not” as long as you stay grounded in the faith.
✝️ Final Thought: Why the Pause?
It’s all about sacred order. The Church takes death, mourning, and papal transitions super seriously. It’s not chaos; it’s reverence.
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