As of this writing, the Pope has not yet been elected. Within this context, I will provide some general information about the Vicar of Christ and successor of Saint Peter.
The term “pope” comes from the Greek (pappas), meaning “father.” In the Catholic context, the Pope is the Bishop of Rome, head of the Vatican City State, and supreme leader of the Catholic Church.
The election of a pope takes place during the conclave (locked, so no one enters or leaves). This is a meeting of cardinals under the age of 80 that takes place after the death or resignation of the previous pontiff. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the votes. White smoke rising from the Vatican chimney indicates that a new pope has been elected.
The functions of a pope are:
To confirm all Catholics in the faith, that is, he must clearly teach the teachings Jesus left to his apostles, which is called the deposit of faith (sound doctrine).
To spiritually guide the Catholic people.
To govern Vatican City as the head of state that he is.
To appoint cardinals and bishops.
Hoping that by the time you are reading this, God will we have a new successor to Saint Peter.
Happy Sunday.
