Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, died on April 21, 2025. He was a role model for the world because of his dedication to staying humble and helping the less fortunate. Benilde-St. Margaret’s takes inspiration from Pope Francis in their efforts to aid the marginalized. BSM feels sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, but it also drives us to bring even more peace and safety to the world. The process for the election of a new Pope has begun in Vatican City.

The pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was first elected in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned from his papacy. Pope Francis served the global community with humility and respect until his death. The Church is currently in Conte Latin, meaning empty seat, since there is no current leader of the church. The conclave to elect a new pope begins on May 7, 2025. In the Conclave, the cardinals convene to elect a new pope. The pope can be anyone, but has historically only been chosen from among the cardinals. Only cardinals under the age of eighty can vote for the next pope. “We enter into a time called Conte Latin, meaning empty seat… We’ve already had his funeral, then the Conclave begins 15 to 20 days after his death. So for us, the Conclave is starting May 7… ever since the 14th century, we’ve elected someone from the Cardinals, all the Cardinals, who are all under 80, are allowed to vote [for the new pope].” Theology teacher Becca Meagher said.

Pope Francis spent his papacy devoted to helping people. He refused the option to live with many accommodations that the pope normally receives. Pope Francis always helped marginalized communities, including third-world countries and prisoners. He also inspires other people to do the same and help minorities. BSM is often trying to live out the pope’s example. “Pope Francis, all the things that he did in helping the marginalized, and just showing the importance of loving every person and seeing every person as viable and valuable. I mean, everything that we try to do here [at BSM] is what he has done in his papacy,” Campus Minister Mike Jeremiah said.

As BSM is inspired by Pope Francis to do good in the world, the school is saddened by his death. BSM’s community grieves for the pope and remembers all the good he did for so many people in his life. BSM remains hopeful for the election of the next pope and the future of the Church’s positive impact on the world. Theology teachers pay close attention to the news for updates on the Vatican and the conclave of the cardinals. “[Pope Francis] truly is a person of faith and kindness and compassion, I mean, it can’t help but affect everybody that they see a person who lives out those values,
really walked in the footsteps of Jesus in loving people… our Easter mass that we had a couple of weeks ago that was offered as a Memorial mass for Pope Francis, and I just actually wrote a prayer for the Conclave,” Jeremiah said.