1st pope in 1300 years that wasn't from Europe. A champion of the poor, the migrant, those in war torn parts of the the world even if they weren't Christian. He was told by his doctors to convalesce and not return to papal duties yet.... but he was never one to completely obey the docs.

It will be interesting to see what part of the world the next Pope hails from.

He was a good man. Ruffled some feathers but a good man and a good Pope.

R.I.P.

Matthew 7:21-23

I’m hoping for Cardinal Dolan from New York. He is originally from Wisconsin and I remember that he and his brothers were deer hunters. I doubt there will ever be a Pope from North America.

He wasn't as far left on social issues as you may think, but he was also a Jesuit and Jesuits like to promote dialogue, so he would say some ambiguous things that the media would pick up and interpret in the worst possible way, and then he would have to issue a clarification.

I don't think he was a bad Pope (look to the Renaissance for some really bad ones) but maybe Jesuits aren't the best choice if we want somebody authoritative in the office.

Rest In Peace, indeed. Well told BP, one can only pray the next pope is just as good of human Pope Francis was. Happy trapping! ScottW

There's a good likelihood the next Pope will be African.

Keith

Dolan was from Missouri. You might be thinking of Burke.

R. I. P. Pope Francis.

Cardinal Burke would be a good Pope.

We are both correct. Born in Missouri. Archbishop of Milwaukee for 7 years before being named in New York. Doesn't really matter since being a traditional conservative at 75 years old he probably won't be considered.

I think Dolan is much more liberal than Burke. Bergolio demoted him because of his stance. Just sayin'.

Yep. Bye!

Sincere question to my Catholic brothers......
Why is the Pope important? Is he a mediator between you and your relationship to Christ?
What is His role in your salvation? Why does it matter who is or who is not the Pope?

He is the head of the church. He is traced back to St Peter.
just

yep seems every year or so one of them dies. job must really take a toll on them.

The main reason they die they are old. Most of them live a longer life than the average man.

Welllllll, considering we’ve had three popes over the last 45 years this isn’t even close to true. That said, the 4th pope ago only served a month before he passed. Happy trapping! ScottW

They were old when they were selected.

He is the head of the Church on earth and the Magisterium with teachings and traditions dating back to the time of the Apostles. The Catholic and Orthodox churches trace their bishops' lineage back to the Apostles through Apostolic Succession. Jesus did vest in his Apostles the authority to go forth and spread His message and found His churches. We see it as a strong foundation for the faith and a bulwark against heresies that creep in when everybody is his own pope.

Is the Pope a mediator for my relationship to Christ? No, I don't pray to the Pope.

For Catholics, we do believe that priests are empowered, on God's behalf, to absolve us of sins that we confess to them. (John 20: 21-23). Does God require a priest to forgive our sins? No. But if we confess them to a priest, the priest is empowered to absolve them, and on a practical level, I believe a person's conscience is eased when speaking about it to another person. (See AA 5th Step)

Why does it matter who is or who is not the Pope? Well, I believe that the next conclave will choose whoever is meant to be, so that's not really a question I concern myself with.

Well put.

The Pope is not a mediator between God and man. Only Christ is. The Pope is simply Christ's vicar — shepherding the sheep of the visible Church in His name ...

Actually it took hundreds of years for people to have the nerve to claim the role of pope. There were some spicy comments as the efforts started.

For example, Gregory the Great (regarded as the 64th pope) said:


Here's a catholic source for the Gregory quote

a relevant scripture, when people consider changing Christianity

Thank you for the sincere replies Akjust, Northwest Yote, Cooncatcher, and Ltrman. I grew up around Catholics my whole life; many of which are my best friends, but we never really discuss the logistics of our beliefs. I was raised a protestants amongst Catholics and we all got along and did business with each other; just never went to the same Church.

Last couple of days, the passing of the Pope has been all over the news and who will replace him. I never thought about it much so reached out. I also reached out to my best friend and asked the same question.
This was his response......

"The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. He appoints clergy under him like bishops. He largely influences the direction of the Catholic Church take on issues and is a "lobbyist" for Catholic faith and works with leaders on issues."

I certainly respect that; and all that you have said. I see the importance now. Thanks, Chancey