⛪ 2025 Papal Conclave Begins: Black Smoke Signals No New Pope in First Vote The 2025 papal conclave officially opened at the Vatican on May 7 following the passing of Pope Francis. After the first round of voting, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney—indicating that no candidate secured the two-thirds majority required to become the next pope. With 133 cardinal electors from over 70 nations, this is the largest and most globally diverse conclave in Church history. Voting continues daily until white smoke appears, signaling the election of the new pontiff. #PapalConclave2025 #Vatican #BlackSmoke #CatholicChurch #PopeElection #BETTRNews https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/conclave-2025-to-pick-new-pope-day-1/

🕊️ Who Will Be the Next Pope? Top Contenders Emerge as Conclave Nears With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal crossroads. The upcoming conclave, set to begin between May 6 and May 11, will see 135 cardinal electors convene to choose the next pontiff—a decision that will shape the Church's direction for decades to come.​ 🌍 Leading Papal Contenders 1. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) Often referred to as the "Asian Francis," Tagle is known for his pastoral approach and emphasis on social justice. His potential election would mark the first Asian pope, reflecting the Church's growth in Asia. ​ 2. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) As the Vatican's Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Church governance. He is viewed as a moderate, capable of bridging divides within the Church. ​ Reuters 3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) The Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is recognized for his work in peace mediation and social issues. He embodies a progressive vision aligned with Francis's legacy. ​ 4. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary) A prominent conservative voice, Erdő is the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest. His election would signal a shift towards traditionalism within the Church. ​ 5. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy) Serving as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa has been noted for his efforts in interfaith dialogue and his leadership in the Holy Land. His election could emphasize the Church's commitment to peace in the Middle East. ​ 📣 JSA2026 Campaign Perspective “The conclave's decision will not only influence the spiritual direction of over a billion Catholics but also impact global discussions on morality, justice, and human dignity. As the Church selects its next leader, we hope for a pontiff who upholds the timeless truths while engaging compassionately with contemporary challenges.” #PapalConclave2025 #NextPope #CatholicChurch #VaticanNews #JSA2026 #BETTRNews #GlobalFaith #ChurchLeadership #PopeFrancisLegacy https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/04/21/these-cardinals-are-the-top-candidates-to-succeed-pope-francis/?utm_source=ForbesMainFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflowForbesMainFB&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR64_nc4J93mM1Wy5Zj6ygv_7zb2QtcTkyNO5IpdKABfBahDGXcgGKtw5Qwx0Q_aem_pQiIUsbfYdjLKRuSeXv0tw

🕊️ Pope Francis Dies at 88 — A BETTR Legacy of Unity, Compassion, and Reform VATICAN CITY — April 21, 2025 – Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away early Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death, confirmed by the Vatican’s Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, marks the end of a historic 12-year papacy that reshaped global perceptions of the Catholic Church. Appointed as the 266th pope in 2013, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and a champion of progressive values, often focusing on issues like climate change, poverty, tech ethics, LGBTQ+ rights, and spiritual renewal in a digital age. Despite health setbacks—including pneumonia and kidney failure earlier this year—Francis delivered his final public blessing on Easter Sunday. He died peacefully the following morning at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. 🌍 Global Reactions Pour In Leaders from around the world expressed condolences: French President Emmanuel Macron praised Francis’s “humility and advocacy for the vulnerable.” EU President Ursula von der Leyen called him “a spiritual beacon beyond faith lines.” Italy declared a national day of mourning, and Serie A postponed matches in his honor. 🕯️ A Time for Reflection and Renewal With the Vatican now in sede vacante, a new papal conclave is set to begin between May 6–11, 2025. 135 cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope—one who will be tasked with continuing the spiritual, social, and technological conversations Pope Francis boldly opened. Francis leaves behind a global movement of believers and skeptics alike, united by a shared respect for his message of love over division, faith over fear, and purpose over politics. 🔎 #PopeFrancis #VaticanNews #BETTRNewswire #CatholicChurch #Faith #Legacy #Conclave2025 #PopeDies #JesuitPope #BETTRFaith #GlobalUnity 📰 Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/pope-francis-dead-obituary-2025-4 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html ––– 📢 BETTR is where history is documented with integrity and reach. ✅ Join Free or unlock premium access with BETTR+ for just $3/month. 🌐 www.bettrsm.com 📅 Posted: April 21, 2025 📞 Contact: (516) 586-0660 📧 Email: contact@bettr.community