Texas and San Antonio leaders honor Pope Francis
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San Antonio is joining global remembrances of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, following his death Monday.
The big picture: Francis was treated for double pneumonia before being released from the hospital in March.
The latest: The Archdiocese of San Antonio hosted a memorial mass Monday at San Fernando Cathedral.
What they're saying: "We were inspired by the Holy Father's advocacy for migrants globally and of his commitment to provide services and minister to all of God's children," Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said in a statement.
- "He emphasized that in welcoming the stranger we are welcoming Christ. He worked for the conversion of hearts and minds, to create a culture and practice of hospitality in receiving migrants."
- State leaders including Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro celebrated the pope and mourned his passing.
Between the lines: Joshua Thurow, professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio, tells Axios that Francis' papacy is "deeply meaningful" for Hispanic Catholics.
- "He has consistently elevated care for the poor, marginalized and oppressed," Thurow says. "As pope he spoke forcefully about immigration — urging that immigrants are created in the image of God and deserve respect and should be greeted with a 'spirit of welcome.'"
- Thurow notes Francis' canonization of Oscar Romero and the pope's devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom he honored early and often in his papacy.
Zoom in: About 29% of San Antonio area residents identify as Catholic, per a survey conducted in 2023-24 by the Pew Research Center.
The next pope will be the church's 267th.
How it works: The selection will follow a series of Vatican meetings and a papal election, called a conclave.
- In about 15 to 20 days, Cardinal electors will gather in St. Peter's Basilica for mass.
- Then, they will go to the Sistine Chapel to begin rounds of super secret voting on the next pope.
When a winner emerges — and accepts the post — the ballots are burned with chemicals that produce a white smoke to signal a pope has been chosen.