On Monday, April 21, BCCHS students enjoyed a holiday in celebration of Easter Monday, but many awoke to the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Thus began the period of mourning for Catholics worldwide, remembering the man who shepherded the Church since 2013.
Returning to school on Tuesday, the day commenced by praying for the pope’s soul rather than reciting the regular morning prayer. “The pope is called our Holy Father, and just like how you need to bury your earthly father before you ‘move on’ with life, it is important for us to pray for the deceased pope and lay him to rest before we jump to quickly to speculating about his successor,” Fr. John Pankratz, senior Theology and Apologetics teacher, stated. Pankratz, both in his capacity as a teacher in a Catholic school and as a member of the clergy, has had the privilege of having met the late pope in person on a few occasions. During Wednesday school Masses following Pope Francis’s passing, Pankratz has taken the time to share about his encounters with Francis during his time in Rome. “I remember that he was a very warm and kind man when you were in his presence. As I think back it was incredible how hospitable he was considering how many people he met on a daily basis. I also remember him asking us for prayers in the multiple times that I saw him,” Pankratz said.
Looking forward as the Conclave has begun, Pankratz has taken the time to educate his students about the processes the Cardinals will carry out as they happen in real time. “Anytime that you are a teacher, you are always looking to tie in the coursework with current events. Theology and religion (and any subject for that matter) are not simply relics of the past. The ideas and themes that we study have an impact on students’ lives now and in the future,” Pankratz said of teaching during this time. On May 6 and 7, students from all classes in their respective Theology periods had a mock conclave in the BCCHS chapel where all students were “cardinals” who elected a “pope” from among their peers. The real College of Cardinals in Rome that the students mimicked is one that was largely selected by Pope Francis to elect his successor. “Because Pope Francis reigned for over 12 years, he hand-picked a substantial majority of the cardinals who will elect his successor,” Fr. Pankratz stated. However, this is no abnormality for the cardinal electors. “This is very normal; obviously the longer a pope reigns the more cardinals he will appoint.” Pankratz also noted the greater global diversity within the college this go round, and this was part of his initiative to serve those in poverty and on the margins. Pankratz stated on Francis’ cardinal selections, “I think that he wanted to make sure that Catholics ‘on the margins’ had representatives who could serve as a voice for them. It will be up to the next pope whether he wants to continue this trend or not.”
Fr. Pankratz also set up a “Conclave Challenge” where students and staff could make predictions of which cardinal would be selected, what papal name he will select, what day he will be chosen, and what vote will choose him. Until the next pope is selected, students will be keeping a close eye on the Conclave and watching for the white smoke and awaiting the winner of the Conclave Challenge, as well as continuing to pray for the Cardinals to make the decision in the best interest of Catholics worldwide in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
