Reflecting on the legacy of Pope Francis
Plus: Looking ahead to the upcoming conclave
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
On Monday, the morning after Easter, Pope Francis died at 88. This week, we remember his legacy — and begin to tackle the questions left in the wake of his death.
Executive editor Clemente Lisi writes that Francis’ time in the papacy will be remembered by “a tireless commitment to global peace, social justice and environmental causes.” He writes on the circumstances of Francis’ life, work, health and death in today’s top story.
In the days since his death, world leaders have payed tribute to Francis and remembered his warmth and compassion; Lisi additionally writes on the outpouring of condolences.
Francis will be buried on Saturday in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore — read more about what to expect at his funeral from our partners at The Conversation.
The next big question, of course, is who will become the next pope. Lisi writes on six cardinals who have a likely shot at the papacy.
Lastly, read a note from Pope Francis himself about old age and death, from the preface of new book “Awaiting a New Beginning. Reflections on Old Age.”
“If we live this time of life as a grace, and not with resentment; if we accept the time (even a long one) in which we experience diminished strength, the increasing fatigue of the body, the reflexes no longer what they were in our youth — with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness — well then, old age too becomes an age of life which, as Romano Guardini taught us, is truly fruitful and capable of radiating goodness,” he wrote.
Pope Francis, First Latin American Pontiff Who Shook Up The Church, Dead At 88
Pope Francis — the first pontiff from the Americas, who clashed with traditional Catholics but was hailed as a reformer by progressives — died on Monday, a day after Easter, at age 88. The pope had been plagued by a series of health issues in recent years. Hours after his death was announced, the Vatican said Francis died from a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. by Clemente Lisi
How Churches Are Transforming Communities Into Green Havens
Increasing numbers of U.K.-based churches and cathedrals are turning environmental action within their locality into a force for change. There are now 8,200 eco-churches across all Christian denominations within the United Kingdom, and the number is growing. These churches have opened up green spaces, created new gardens and improved the environmental credentials of their buildings. by Angela Youngman
Pope Francis’ Funeral Set For Saturday: What Happens Next?
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held this Saturday in a ceremony to be held in St. Peter’s Square. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. The decision was announced after cardinals met at the Vatican to plan the events of the coming days. by Clemente Lisi
Pope Francis: ‘Death Not The End Of Everything, But The Beginning’
This is why I said earlier that these are pages born “from the thought and the affection” of Cardinal Scola: not only from thought, but also from the emotional dimension, which is the one to which Christian faith points, since Christianity is not so much an intellectual act or a moral choice, but rather the affection for a person — that Christ who came to meet us and decided to call us friends. by Pope Francis
Before the Dawn: Hundreds Hike Mount Rubidoux to Celebrate Easter Sunday
In the still 5 a.m. darkness, street lights flicker as cars circle to find parking. Friends and families embrace at the base of Mount Rubidoux as the crowd quietly begins the 2.7 mile climb. Parents push strollers, while others help the elderly. Hundreds have gathered atop this mountain for the past 116 years to enjoy the sunrise and celebrate Easter Sunday. by Esther Wickham
This Just In: Traditional Religion In The US Now ‘Obsolete’
(ANALYSIS) “Americans have lost faith in traditional religion,” announces the sweeping first sentence of a contentious book published during Holy Week: “Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America.” by Richard Ostling
Why Aquinas Matters: Battle For Campus Intellectual Freedom And His Timeless Relevance
(REVIEW) The university system is under attack. Professors risk careers by publicly speaking out on issues of intellectual freedom. Campuses have become tinderboxes. Meanwhile, the lines between church and state are blurring, imperiling the independence of the former while power-hungry political rulers seek to expand their iron-fisted grip over both. Welcome to the age of St. Thomas Aquinas. by Tom Verde
Frontrunners To Succeed Francis: 6 Cardinals Who Could Be The Next Pope
The Catholic Church’s next leader will likely be chosen from a group of cardinals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in both spiritual and organizational capacities. The process of choosing the next pope is known as a papal conclave. This occurs following the death or resignation of a sitting pope. by Clemente Lisi
‘A Beacon Of Compassion’: World And Religious Leaders React To Francis’ Death
Political and religious leaders from around the world offered condolences and tributes following the death of Pope Francis on Monday. The White House’s official X account posted two photos of the pope, one with President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, and the other with Vice President J.D. Vance, with a caption that read: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.” by Clemente Lisi
The Chair In Rome Is Empty
(ANALYSIS) I was not planning on writing about Francis this morning or tomorrow. Instead, I was planning on writing about the signs pointing to what I believe is the biggest religion story in Christianity around the world. by Terry Mattingly
‘Carlo Acutis: Roadmap To Reality’ Challenges Teens To Reconnect With Faith
(REVIEW) In an age ruled by smartphones, “Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality” arrives as a timely and stirring documentary that invites viewers to pause, reflect and reconnect — with others, with the world and with something greater than themselves. This 90-minute documentary recounts the story of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old computer whiz who died of leukemia in 2006 and now set to be canonized a saint. by Clemente Lisi
Kenya’s Christ The Redeemer Statue Offers Spiritual Reflection And Scenic Views
Towering on top of one of the many hills that overlook Lodwar, is a gigantic statue of Jesus Christ with His hands spread apart. It is a mirror image of the iconic Christ The Redeemer sculpture that defines Rio de Jenairo. The statue’s appeal goes beyond its architectural dimensions and spiritual importance. It has also emerged as a charming tourist magnet and iconic local landmark. by Joseph Maina
On Religion: What Counts As An ‘Easter Movie’ On American TV?
(ANALYSIS) For more than 50 years ABC — with very few exceptions — has offered “The Ten Commandments” as the network's featured film for Holy Week. In fact, nothing says “Easter” like a showdown between Moses, the 13th century BCE Hebrew prophet, and the pharaoh Ramses the Great and the gods of Egypt. by Terry Mattingly
Jesus Christ Box Office Superstar: Why Faith-Based Films Are Dominating
(ANALYSIS) People might disagree whether Jesus is King, but he certainly is ruling the box office this Easter season. America loves movies and it loves Jesus. As a result, it’s s safe to say both will be with us for a very long time. You might say it’s Jesus’ world, we’re just living in it. That’s true to Christians at all times. But for now it’s also true when it comes to dominating the U.S. box office. by Joseph Holmes
United For Jesus: The Way Of The Cross Brings Ugandan Christians Together
For Uganda’s Christians, the Way of the Cross is more than a ritual — it is a powerful affirmation of faith, an expression of gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and a moment of deep collective introspection. By uniting believers across denominations and walks of life, the procession continues to embody the core message of Easter: In Christ, there is redemption, unity and the promise of eternal life. by John Semakula
📝 ‘We Will Never Forget’: How Covering The Biggest Story Of My Life Changed Me 🔌
On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, our columnist reflects on how covering the biggest story of his life changed him. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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