Erik Estrada
Social Media Editor
The death of Pope Francis has left the Catholic community at Texas A&M University-San Antonio reflecting on his legacy and the future of the church.
Ministers from the Catholic Student Association say students have been seeking guidance and clarity on what will happen next.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, 266th pope of the Catholic Church, elected March 13, 2013, held his position for more than 12 years before dying April 21, the day after Easter.
The funeral was held April 26, where world leaders like President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and members of the British royal family attended.
Throughout his papacy, Francis had been struggling with health issues including colon issues, abdominal problems and respiratory problems. A stroke and irreversible heart failure led to his death.
“I was initially in shock. We knew he was sick, but he was just on TV yesterday celebrating Easter and meeting (U.S. Vice President) JD Vance,” Becca Villareal, a campus minister for CSA, said April 24. “It was a sense of loss. It was sad to lose the Pope.”
With 273 members on JagSync, CSA attempts to stay active on campus by hosting Mass and Bible study groups and trying to provide a community for people from all faiths.
“Pope Francis very much highlighted not-talked-about topics like those in the LGBTQIA community,” Joshua Mitchener, campus minister, said. “Laudato Si'” was his book about earth, nature and our role here. He definitely spoke about important topics we needed to be informed of. It was about knowing how to love the person in front of us.”
Mitchener referred to the book published in 2015, whose title means “Praise Be to You,” with the subtitle “On Care for Our Common Home.”
When news of Francis’ death was released, it left many followers in shock and curious about what would happen next.
“We’re still processing,” Mitchener said. “He was a figure who brought a lot of change, and people, especially young Catholics, are looking for answers right now.”
With his death occurring during the Easter octave, some may consider this a sign.
“I was surprised. … I thought he would be here longer,” Axel Alcala, vice president of CSA, said.” It feels like the timing was right. He died during Easter. It’s for a reason, and I’m not sure what it is but it’s beautiful.”
The funeral of Pope Francis marked the beginning of a nine-day mourning period, Mitchener said.
“Then we’ll enter what is called the Conclave,” Mitchener said. “Conclave is when the Cardinals, who are special bishops who have the voting ability, gather and cast a vote for the next pope.”
The Catholic Church currently has 252 Cardinals, with 135 under 85 years old and eligible to vote.
“They will get together, have mass, they will pray and will be sworn to secrecy,” Mitchener said. “They will be locked in the Sistine Chapel and vote twice a day until there is a two-thirds majority vote.”
As the Catholic church prepares to elect a new pope, members of the CSA say they plan to continue reflecting on Francis’ legacy while leaning on each other for support and guidance.
“Pray for us, pray for the church, pray for Pope Francis, and pray for the next pope,” Mitchener said. “Let’s hope he can be received well and he can lead us well.”
For more information on the Catholic Student Association, visit Instagram @Jaguarcatholic.
