Apr. 27, 2025 | The Death of Pope Francis and the Upcoming Conclave

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis April 21 at age 88, Catholic Review Editor Christopher Gunty talks with people who have experienced the pope personally. Baltimore Archbishop William Lori recalls his encounters with the pope. Cardinal Edwin O’Brien, former archbishop of Baltimore and retired grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, says that the pontiff’s witness to the love of Christ strengthened him, even in illness. Longtime Vatican reporter and editor John Thavis provides some details on how the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will work.