Naturally, we were shocked when we heard the news that Pope Francis had passed away the morning after we had just seen him. As fast as we could, we packed up the boys and headed to St. Peter’s Square to pray for the repose of his soul…
A holy friendship
Habemus Papam!
A little before 7:15pm, the doors opened on the loggia of St. Peter’s, and Cardinal Dominique Mamberti walked out, along with two men in cassocks and surplices who held the microphone and the script. People in the crowd started to hush each other, and Cardinal Mamberti spoke: “Nuntio vobis gaudium magnum…" (“I announce to you a great joy…”) And then he paused as the crowds cheered, either because we were cheering or for dramatic effect or both. “…Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”)…










