Angels rejoice and Church bells ring around the world... Prayers and hymns are raised, and the scent of incense wafts in every corner of the earth. Is it joy or sorrow? Do we mourn the passing of the Pope of mercy and peace, or rejoice over the legacy he left behind? Of course, it's a heavenly wedding. Pope Francis enters the Kingdom of God, fulfilling a human mission in every sense of the word. Hoping that the Pope's humanity would be taught in schools, universities, and societies where humans lack their humanity.

A heavenly wedding is matched by an Ecumenical wedding on earth, in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican... this square where crowds of pilgrims used to flock to seek His Holiness's blessing. But this time the scene is very different... sadness is mixed with the joy of the Resurrection, and thus the Divine Will willed that His Holiness Pope Francis pass into the arms of the Father on Easter Monday, at the time of the Lord's Resurrection.

Humility and Simplicity

The scene was different this time, as St. Peter's Square was filled with faithful seeking the Pope's final blessing during his final farewell on Saturday. More than 250,000 people from around the world gathered under the Vatican sun to participate in the Funeral ceremonies of Pope Francis.

Kings, Presidents, Leaders, Church leaders, and figures from all walks of life, as well as official, Ecclesiastical, and youth delegations, raised their Prayers. More than 150,000 other people flooded the streets of Rome, and more than hundreds of thousands watched in front of their screens.

The focus of the meeting of hope was the bearer of Christ's hope to the entire world... Pope Francis, who chose to abandon centuries-old practices and traditions for Popes’ funerals, was placed in a zinc-lined wooden coffin, as he wished and contrary to Vatican custom. His Holiness also abolished a tradition of displaying the Pope's body on a raised platform, known as the "high coffin" or "funeral bed."

Pope Francis is also the first Pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican walls, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, about four kilometers from St. Peter's Basilica. His Holiness had requested in his will that his tombstone be inscribed with only the word "Franciscus."

Prospects for the Future

The funeral of the Pope carries much grandeur, yet it also carries much humility, and how great this humility is! It is a humility that broke all the protocol traditions and triumphed over all the celebrations and formalities that some world leaders and presidents might prefer. But did the simplicity of the funeral offer new lessons for the future?

It is a legitimate question, and the answer remains awaited for. The funeral ceremony carried an extremely important humanitarian message. We hope that this message will bear its fruits soon in a world that yearns for justice, peace, and fraternity.

White Smoke

In parallel to the daily Prayers and Holy Masses held in the Vatican and around the world for the repose of the soul of the Supreme Pontiff, especially during the nine-day mourning period declared by the Vatican, beginning on the day of the funeral, the world's attention is focused on a Vatican issue entering the public eye, and an anticipation for the election of a new pope. When will the white smoke rise from the top of the Sistine Chapel?

As the world awaits the next Vatican phase, many questions are circling the minds of believers: Who is the most likely candidate? What are the characteristics of the elected person? What issues will he bear?

Currently, the Vatican is undertaking numerous measures in preparation for the election process. The Cardinals gathered in the Fifth General Congregation have set the date of the beginning of the Conclave in May 7.

According to the Vatican, approximately 180 Cardinals participated in the General Assembly, including approximately 100 Cardinals with the right to elect. Cardinals Reinhard Marx, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Dominique Mamberti were also chosen to form a committee to assist Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, in the ordinary administration.

The agenda of the meeting included discussions about the situations of the Church and its relationship with the world, current challenges, and the qualities required of the new Supreme Pontiff. It also included discussions on Evangelization, relations with other religions, and many other issues. The Cardinals will continue their meetings every morning until May 6, with the exception of Thursday, May 1, and Sunday, May 4.

The election process is very delicate, and the seriousness of reviewing the files and the nominated candidates is extremely important, especially since the whole world is facing numerous challenges due to wars, conflicts, and crises that burden the people of the Earth.

The new Pope’s mission is not easy; the burden will be heavy on him, especially since humanity is suffering from every direction.

The countdown for the announcement of the good news has begun!