That Was Sudden: Pope Francis Declared Dead Early On Easter Monday

While many of us were still reporting on the Vice President’s Vatican visit, another, much bigger story was quietly unfolding.

Love him or hate him, Pope Francis no longer walks among us.

He has entered into his rest and whatever reward may await him in eternity.

As he was the last public figure to see him, it’s only fitting to include JD Vance’s response:

There is an interim period, obviously, in which a caretaker will fill in for the Pope’s responsibilities until such time that the conclave can get together and go through the whole ‘white smoke or black smoke’ process again.

The official title is camerlengo, and the duties are described this way:

It’s the camerlengo’s job to “officially ascertain the Pope’s death,” draw up the death certificate, place seals on the pope’s bedroom and study and make funeral preparations.

The camerlengo is also tasked with making practical arrangements for the conclave, to ensure the confidentiality of proceedings and orderly voting.

The camerlengo’s powers are limited to the day-to-day administration of the Vatican and he chairs a committee of three other cardinals as he carries out his duties. When serious matters arise, he must consult with the wider body of cardinals. — CNN

Reactions have been as varied as the personalities giving them, ranging from praise to vitriol directed at the late pontiff, and a similar range of response to JD Vance.

Others turn their attention to more practical matters, expressing the qualities they most hope to see in his eventual successor.