Sede Vacante

“Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!

And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”

Pope Francis, 2025

On Friday, May 2, 2025, St. Michael’s School will honor our departed Pope, Francis, at a special Memorial Mass, and we invite you to join us in this celebration. Pope Francis, who was elected to the papacy in 2013, passed away early in the morning on Easter Monday, and was laid to rest this past weekend, on Saturday, April 26. He is interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. It houses Pope Francis’ favorite image of Mary, at which he prayed each time he left and returned to Rome for a papal visit.

For most of our students, Pope Francis is the only pontiff they have known, and his legacy is an inspiration to all of us. He sought to be a man of the people, dedicated to helping the poor and marginalized. He himself embraced poverty, owning only three personal possessions: a pair of worn, black shoes, a meager watch, and his bible. He donated his salary to charity each year, and at the end of his life, his net worth was estimated to be $100. While not every policy was embraced by all, he will, most surely, be remembered for his great love and compassion.

“Sede Vacante” is the period of time that begins at the passing of the current pope and concludes when a new pope accepts election. During this time, the Church embarks on nine days of mourning, and special prayers are recited each day of the novena. From the College of Cardinals (there are currently 252 living Cardinals), the Cardinal Electors (135 are under 80 years of age and eligible to vote) prepare for the Conclave (Conclave means “with key” and is the process by which the College of Cardinals elect a new pope), which will begin on May 7 in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. During the Conclave, the Cardinals are sequestered in secrecy for prayer, conversations, and balloting until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority of the electors present. At that time, white smoke will billow from the chimney positioned above the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the faithful who have gathered in St. Peter’s Square that a new pope has been elected. French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, will announce, “Habemus Papam,” Latin for “We have a Pope!” The new pope then addresses the faithful for the first time from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking the square. This centuries old tradition is intriguing, and unlike any other transition of power. The movies “Conclave,” (2024) and “The Shoes of the Fisherman” (1968) provide beautiful accounts of this ancient tradition. Keep in mind, neither portray complete accuracy, and are somewhat sensationalized, but will give you a glimpse into the process.

During this time, Catholics around the world are encouraged to pray not only for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, but for the Cardinals who will undertake this most solemn and significant undertaking. We believe they will be guided by the Holy Spirit to cast their vote for the next leader of our Church. We, too, can participate in this process by praying for the Cardinals. Included here is a list of the Cardinal Electors. You may choose one to hold close in prayer, or pray for the entire group.

Full List of Cardinal Electors

Adopt a Cardinal

This week, our students will be reflecting on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. They will pray the Novena prayers every day, and each class will select a cardinal elector to pray for as the Church prepares for the upcoming Conclave.



While we sadly bid farewell to “Franciscus,” we eagerly await our new leader with joyful anticipation.

In Mission, Kathy