• Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away at 88.
• He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose his successor.
• His papacy lasted almost 12 years, marking him as a transformative leader in the Church.
• Historical context reveals the intricate process of papal succession that will follow.
• Over 2,000 years, the Catholic Church has seen 266 popes, each shaping its direction.

Pope Francis, the 266th pope, died at 88 after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest, marking the end of a nearly 12-year papacy that began on March 13, 2013. His leadership was characterized by a notable shift towards modernization and inclusiveness within the Catholic Church, significantly impacting its global outreach and internal policies. His passing leaves behind questions about the future direction of the Church as the College of Cardinals, the senior ecclesiastical leaders, will convene in Rome to choose his successor, a process steeped in tradition and rigorous protocol, according to Reuters and Dawn.

Pope Francis was not just the first pope from Latin America, but his governance also marked a significant moment in history with the appointment of nearly 80% of the cardinal electors who will play a pivotal role in selecting the next pope. This transition is anticipated to reflect the progressive reforms championed during his time. “The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals,” as pointed out by India Times and Dawn.

Historically, the process of electing a pope has evolved significantly. Initially, the process involved secular powers' approval, but since the 11th century, the College of Cardinals has held exclusive authority to elect the pope, a system first established by Pope Nicholas II. This ritual began after the death of St. Peter, the first pope, around which the Catholic Church has centered its identity for nearly 2,000 years. As of now, the Church has seen a total of 266 popes, a figure representing centuries of religious evolution, according to Reuters and India Times.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of extensive travels and engagements around the globe, having visited more than 65 countries throughout his tenure. His focus on social issues, climate change, and interfaith dialogue marked a significant shift in the Vatican's approach to modern challenges. He authored key encyclicals, including "Laudato Si", which emphasized the urgency of environmental stewardship, demonstrating the Church's broader engagement with contemporary societal issues, as reported by Reuters.

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the scrutiny will now turn to the conclave that will assemble to elect his successor. The cardinal electors appointed by Francis are expected to be crucial in determining whether his progressive policies will be advanced or challenged in the coming years. This succession reflects a critical moment for the Catholic Church as it navigates both internal and external pressures in the modern world, according to Dawn and India Times.