When I awoke Monday morning on April 21 – Easter Monday – I looked at my phone and instantly saw the news of the passing of Pope Francis. My first feeling was that there had been a death in the family. The news of the Holy Father’s death was deeply felt, both personally and universally by Catholics around the world.
Along with feeling sad, I also felt a quiet joy knowing that he is no longer suffering and is now resting in the arms of the Lord. This is a momentous time for us as Catholics, a time for reflection, prayer and an opportunity to open family conversations, especially with our children, about our faith and the sacred traditions of the Church.
Pope Francis was a humble and compassionate shepherd. He led with mercy and joy and had a deep love for the poor and marginalized. His legacy provides a natural opening for families to engage in conversation about the papacy and the process for electing a new pope. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that.
Introduce your children to the papacy. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ, the head of the Church on earth, and he is also the Bishop of Rome. The first Pope was St. Peter, chosen by Jesus himself, and the lineage has continued unbroken to this very day. Pope Francis was the 266th Pope to serve our Church.
Share stories of Pope Francis. Show your children a photo of the Pope and perhaps talk about what he meant to you personally, how he lived out his mission or what it means to be a leader in the faith. Say a prayer together for the repose of his soul.
Talk about the Conclave. Whether it’s at the dinner table, during a car ride or while out on a family walk, discuss the process for choosing a new pope and how the selection takes place during a conclave. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City where the Cardinals from throughout the world gather to vote in secrecy. The Cardinals take an oath before the doors are sealed, and they continue voting by secret ballot until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. Each vote is counted and recorded carefully by designated cardinals. This sacred process, rooted in centuries of tradition, reflects both discernment and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Discuss the smoke! One of the most visual and meaningful traditions of the conclave is the smoke. Families often find this moment exciting – especially children. The world watches the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel: black smoke means no pope has been elected; white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen. This is a beautiful opportunity to watch the moment together, reflect on the symbolism of the smoke and to express pride in our Catholic identity. When the white smoke rises, we can joyfully proclaim, “Habemus Papam!” which means “We have a Pope!”
Once a Cardinal has received the necessary votes and accepts the call, he will choose a papal name, dress in his new vestments and appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is there that he greets the world as our new Holy Father. When that moment comes, take the time to learn about him, read about his background and ministry, and the name he chose. Offer a prayer for our new Holy Father as he takes on the immense responsibility of shepherding more than 1.2 billion Catholics around the world.
As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, we also move forward in hope and unity. Use this sacred time to pause, pray, and to draw closer as families and as a Church.
May Pope Francis be granted eternal rest and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
For more resources, visit: https://dioceseoftrenton.org/catechist-resources
Denise Contino is director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis.
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.