While the highly secretive process to elect the next Pope takes place in Rome, the election process is generating a lot of opinions locally. Some hope the conclave process isn't politicized and are searching for unity. May 7, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While the highly secretive process to select the next pope takes place in Rome, the election process is generating a lot of opinions locally.
Some here in Northeast Wisconsin are searching for unity and hope the conclave process isn’t politicized.
People gathered for prayer at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion Wednesday as the process to elect a new pope began following the death of Pope Francis.
“No matter what faith background or no faith background people come from, people recognize the pope as a spiritual leader and a world leader,” congregant Jennifer Mahoney said.
Mahoney said it’s exciting to see the process of the conclave. She hopes the next pope brings people of all backgrounds together.
“It would be great to see someone who had that kind of charisma of Pope Saint Paul John II, and how much he traveled and was able to cross many political, cultural, social boundaries,” Mahoney said.
Mahoney believes these traits would be best in a world littered with turmoil and division. At the Diocese of Green Bay, Father John Girotti said the cardinals will likely look at what aspects of the church are growing. He’s looking for a leader who will help spread the spiritual word of God.
“I think that we’re looking at somebody who will bring us closer to the Lord Jesus. Help us to fall more deeply in love with and follow him as his disciples,” Father Girotti said.
Father Girotti said the process of electing a new pope is a great way to watch history as it happens. While all popes are all different with varying opinions, Father Girotti looks forward to what’s to come in the next leader.
“I’m sure that the next pope, whoever that will be, will bring his own gifts, his own perspectives, but that same focus on the Lord Jesus and the Catholic faith,” Father Girotti said.
On Wednesday, black smoke billowed out of the Vatican chimney, signaling a new pope had not yet been elected.
At St. Norbert College, Father Matthew Dougherty wants someone who will bring unity and preach to everyone willing to listen.
“The papacy, that’s one of its functions, is to be that seat of unity to adjudicate disputes when they arise, to be someone who can speak to the world, on behalf of the church, and can be that person that draws all together,” Father Dougherty said.
The cardinals begin day two with a mass in the Pauline Chapel and then retreat to the Sistine Chapel for voting.
They’ll participate in four rounds of voting, with two burnings of the ballots planned — one in the morning and one in the evening.
Voting continues until the cardinals reach two-thirds majority to elect a new pope.
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