Pope Francis Death- What Happens Next?- And I was going to Write a Blog and Bad-Mouth the D*mn Southern Baptists, But.....

 If you've not heard by now, Pope Francis age 88 has passed this morning. 

He did so after attending Easter services yesterday, and hours after meeting the U.S. Vice-President. ( Already conspiracy theories abound there. )

Let's talk a little about what will happen next. 

-There will be a 9 day period of mourning. 

-A Pope's funeral is normally 4-6 days after his death. 

-Francis is still just laying around in the Vatican. He will not be put into a coffin until 1PM CDT. The placing of the Pope into a coffin is a ritual. 

-Francis' Papal ring (Fisherman's Ring) will be destroyed so no one will use it on official documents.  

- A special silver hammer will be used to destroy the ring.

-Francis was a darkhorse when he was elected, because many felt is was too old. ( Age 76) He was Pope 12 years. 

-Francis appointed 80% of the present Cardinals. 

-Francis was the first Jesuit Pope.

- A Jesuit is a member of the Society of Jesus.  In seminary, we were taught that the Society of Jesus was established to counter against the the rise of Protestants in Europe, especially the Lutheran movement in Germany and the English Reformation. As always, this is not always, this is not 'clean' history. I may talk about why later. 

- By tradition, 15-20 day period before the Cardinals meet to elected the next Pope. This goes back to the old days to allow for travel. Today, everyone could be at the Vatican in a couple of days. 

- There are 252 Cardinals in the Catholic Church. 

- Only 135 are allow to vote for a Pope....This is due to the rule that Cardinals over the age of 80 cannot vote in a Papal Election.

- A Cardinal is a Prince of the Vatican. You must remember, the Vatican City is a nation. Of course, they are called a "Cardinal" due to the Cardinal Red clothing they wear. Yes, taken from the bird.

- Francis was the first non-European Pope since 714CE (CE replaced AD and BCE replaced BC. It is the same time period, nothing has changed time-wise, just what it is called. It was done so because a large part of the world is not Christian.) The last non-European was Gregory III, and was Syrian. Pope Francis was from Argentina.

- Any male baptized Roman Catholic is eligible to become pope. 

- That said, the last non-Cardinal Pope was elected in 1378CE. 

 - There are gambling sites in which you can bet on who will be the next Pope. Odds are on these sites. 

I will write more on the Pope , the election, and I know at least a couple of you would like for me to write on this, Catholic Prophecy. And I know there is are people waiting on me to discuss this....