We’re flying to the Vatican (figuratively), thanks to Patrick Madrid’s latest episode. If you’ve been wondering what happens when a pope dies, who shows up, and why Blessed Carlo Acutis’ canonization got paused, then this is your front-pew breakdown.

 

 

🕊️ First Things First: Pope Francis Has Passed

 

Patrick starts with a solemn but powerful reflection on the death of Pope Francis and what the Church does next. It's not just lighting a candle and moving on. There’s a whole sacred process in motion.

 

 

🔐 What’s a “Conclave” Anyway?

 

The word “conclave” comes from Latin: “with a key”, because the cardinals are literally locked in a room to pick the next pope.

 

In the early Church, the Bishop of Rome (aka, the Pope) was chosen by the people and clergy of Rome... very “democracy meets divine discernment.”

 

Over time, emperors, politics, and international drama got involved, so the conclave became the super-structured, cardinals-only event we know today.

 

And yes, the cardinals are arriving in Rome right now. 

 

 

🧰 Vatican Logistics

 

Here’s how the Church handles the death of a pope:

 

Is He Really Dead?


The Camerlengo calls the Pope’s baptismal name three times: “Jorge... Jorge... Jorge...” 

 

Seal the Deal


The Fisherman’s Ring and papal seals are destroyed so no one can sneakily act in Pope Francis' name.

 

Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales)


Daily Masses, prayers, and the Pope lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. This is why everything, even canonizations, grinds to a halt. More on that 👇

 

 

😇 So... What About Blessed Carlo Acutis?

 

No canonizations can happen without a pope. Full stop.

 

The Holy Father is the one who declares someone a saint. No pope, no canonization.

 

But don’t worry; it’s just postponed, not canceled. Blessed Carlo’s still on deck for sainthood 🖥️.

 

 

❓ Is Canonization Infallible?

 

Ahhh, the theologian’s rabbit hole. 🐇⛪

 

Some say yes... because the Pope is declaring someone is in Heaven and worthy of veneration, which touches faith.

 

Others say no because it's not official Church doctrine.

 

The Church hasn’t made a final ruling on this yet, so it’s okay to be “Team Probably” or “Team Maybe Not” as long as you stay grounded in the faith.

 

 

✝️ Final Thought: Why the Pause?

 

It’s all about sacred order. The Church takes death, mourning, and papal transitions super seriously. It’s not chaos; it’s reverence.

 

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

We&rsquo;re flying to the Vatican (figuratively), thanks to Patrick Madrid&rsquo;s latest episode. If you&rsquo;ve been wondering&nbsp;what happens when a pope dies, who shows up, and why Blessed Carlo Acutis&rsquo; canonization got paused, then this is your front-pew breakdown.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="503" data-end="506">
&nbsp;
🕊️&nbsp;First Things First: Pope Francis Has Passed
&nbsp;
Patrick starts with a solemn but powerful reflection on the death of Pope Francis and what the Church does next. It's not just lighting a candle and moving on. There&rsquo;s a whole sacred process in motion.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="768" data-end="771">
&nbsp;
🔐 What&rsquo;s a &ldquo;Conclave&rdquo; Anyway?
&nbsp;
The word &ldquo;conclave&rdquo; comes from Latin: &ldquo;with a key&rdquo;,&nbsp;because the cardinals are literally locked in a room to pick the next pope.
&nbsp;
In the early Church, the Bishop of Rome (aka, the Pope) was chosen by the people and clergy of Rome... very &ldquo;democracy meets divine discernment.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Over time, emperors, politics, and international drama got involved, so the conclave became the&nbsp;super-structured, cardinals-only event we know today.
&nbsp;
And yes, the cardinals are arriving in Rome right now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1493" data-end="1496">
&nbsp;
🧰 Vatican Logistics
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s how the Church handles the death of a pope:
&nbsp;
Is He Really Dead?
 The Camerlengo calls the Pope&rsquo;s baptismal name three times: &ldquo;Jorge... Jorge... Jorge...&rdquo;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Seal the Deal
 The Fisherman&rsquo;s Ring and papal seals are destroyed so no one can sneakily act in Pope Francis' name.
&nbsp;
Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales)
 Daily Masses, prayers, and the Pope lying in state at St. Peter&rsquo;s Basilica. This is why everything, even canonizations, grinds to a halt. More on that 👇
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2096" data-end="2099">
&nbsp;
😇 So... What About Blessed Carlo Acutis?
&nbsp;
No canonizations can happen without a pope. Full stop.
&nbsp;
The Holy Father is the one who declares someone a saint. No pope, no canonization.
&nbsp;
But don&rsquo;t worry; it&rsquo;s just postponed, not canceled. Blessed Carlo&rsquo;s still on deck for sainthood 🖥️.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2512" data-end="2515">
&nbsp;
❓ Is Canonization Infallible?
&nbsp;
Ahhh, the theologian&rsquo;s rabbit hole. 🐇⛪
&nbsp;
Some say yes... because the Pope is declaring someone is in Heaven and worthy of veneration, which touches faith.
&nbsp;
Others say no because it's not official Church doctrine.
&nbsp;
The Church hasn&rsquo;t made a final ruling on this yet, so it&rsquo;s okay to be &ldquo;Team Probably&rdquo; or &ldquo;Team Maybe Not&rdquo; as long as you stay grounded in the faith.
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2933" data-end="2936">
&nbsp;
✝️ Final Thought: Why the Pause?
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s all about sacred order. The Church takes death, mourning, and papal transitions super seriously. It&rsquo;s not chaos; it&rsquo;s reverence.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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