Mon Apr 21 14:03:49 UTC 2025: ## World Mourns Pope Francis as Cardinals Prepare to Elect Successor
**Vatican City** – Following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the Catholic Church is entering a period of transition as cardinals from around the globe converge on Rome to elect his successor. The selection process, known as a Papal conclave, will determine who will lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. The new Pope will inherit a complex role encompassing spiritual leadership, administrative oversight of the Vatican, and significant global influence on social and political issues. The Vatican has yet to announce the date of the conclave.
First Piper 