Pope Francis Dies, Vatican Prepares for Conclave, Pentagon Turmoil, IRS Shakeup: AM Update

Pope Francis's Passing and Conclave

• 🕊️ Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 from a stroke and heart failure, leading to the College of Cardinals preparing for a conclave to elect his successor.
• 🇻🇦 He was known for modernizing the Catholic Church, advocating for a more inclusive vision, and addressing global issues like climate change, while also facing criticism from traditionalists.
• 🕯️ His funeral arrangements break tradition, with a simple wooden casket and burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major instead of the Vatican crypt.
• 🤫 The conclave process involves cardinals deliberating in secrecy, cut off from the outside world, until a two-thirds majority is reached, signaled by white smoke.

Pentagon Dysfunction and Leaks

• 🛡️ Reports allege widespread dysfunction within the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which the White House attributes to disgruntled former employees.
• 📰 The New York Times reported Hegseth shared sensitive military planning details in a private Signal chat, though the Pentagon denies any classified information was shared.
• 📢 Secretary Hegseth and the White House have pushed back against these reports, calling them