Cardinals Gather for Pope Francis' Funeral and Elect Successor

Public Mourning and Funeral Preparations

• 🕊️ Pope Francis is lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica ahead of his funeral on Saturday, with tens of thousands of mourners paying their respects.
• 🇻🇦 Hundreds of New Yorkers, led by Cardinal Dolan, are on a pilgrimage to the Vatican and will visit the basilica to pray at the Pope's coffin.
• ⚰️ The Vatican released an image of Pope Francis's tomb, featuring a marble sarcophagus with his name and a reproduction of his pectoral cross.
• 💔 One of Pope Francis's final wishes was honored: a group of indigent people were present as his coffin arrived at his favorite church for burial.

The Conclave and Electing a New Pope

• 🤝 Cardinal Dolan, one of the cardinals eligible to vote, is in Rome to mourn Pope Francis and participate in the conclave to elect his successor.
• 💬 Cardinal Dolan described the pre-conclave meetings as a time to get to know and listen to one another, noting the opportunity for informal chats during coffee breaks.
• 🌍 With Pope Francis having expanded the College of Cardinals to include representatives from smaller nations, Cardinal Dolan is meeting many new cardinals for the first time.
• 👨‍🏫 The 75-year-old Cardinal Dolan, one of 27 eligible voters from the last conclave, feels like a "big brother" to younger cardinals seeking his advice on how to approach the election process.

Personal Reflections on Pope Francis

• 🙏 Cardinal Dolan shared a touching personal memory of Pope Francis calling him to offer condolences and comfort after his mother passed away in March 2022.
• 🌟 This act of kindness, rather than a public event, was highlighted as the most amazing and memorable moment for Cardinal Dolan, showcasing Pope Francis's personal compassion.