Pope Francis: His Legacy and What Comes Next

Let’s be real, Pope Francis was that pope. Humble, bold, unafraid to shake things up, and always reminding us to keep it real with our faith. Whether it was talking about climate change, caring for the poor, or reminding us that God's mercy is for everyone, he led with heart.

Now that he’s passed, it’s totally normal to feel a mix of sadness, confusion, and “what happens next?” Here’s the breakdown.

So… How Do We Get a New Pope?

It’s actually a pretty intense but sacred process:

First, the Church takes nine days to mourn and pray. Then, a group of cardinals (under age 80) head into something called a conclave — aka locked in the Sistine Chapel — to vote on the next pope.
They pray, vote, and repeat until someone gets at least two-thirds of the votes. The world knows the decision’s made when white smoke comes out of the chapel chimney (black smoke = no decision yet).
When someone accepts, he picks a new name, and we hear the words: “Habemus Papam” — “We have a pope.” Then, the new pope steps out onto the balcony at the Vatican, and boom, history continues.

How Do We Prepare?

Even if we’re not voting in Rome, this moment is still ours. Here’s how we can show up:

Pray for real – It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just ask the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals and bring us a pope who loves Jesus and leads with wisdom.
Remember who’s really in charge – The Church doesn’t depend on any one pope. It’s built on Christ. So if you’re feeling anxious or disconnected, go back to the source. Jesus is constant.
Live the legacy – Pope Francis stood for mercy, simplicity, justice, and love. So let’s keep that energy alive. Be kind. Stand up for the vulnerable. Keep your faith real and rooted.

Final Thoughts

This is a big moment for the Church, but it’s not the end, it’s the start of something new. The Holy Spirit has always guided the Church, and that hasn’t changed.

So take a breath. Stay hopeful. Keep showing up in your faith, even when it’s messy, even when you don’t have all the answers.

God’s not done. The Church keeps going. And you’re part of it.