‘Great anticipation with a tinge of worry’ in Philly as papal conclave begins

Over 100 cardinals will gather in Rome on Wednesday afternoon in a secret conclave to choose the new Pope. That person will replace Pope Francis, who died a few weeks ago from a stroke and heart failure.

Historically, Francis had a “more progressive” stance on immigration and some LGBTQIA+ issues than his predecessors. Most notably, he expanded the acceptance of same sex couples, and allowed priests to bless them under “certain circumstances.” 

His passing, and the looming selection of his successor, are leaving many Catholic residents of Philly and some LGBTQIA+ advocates with a mix of emotions and hopes.

The death of Pope Francis was a “shock,” said Libby Kercher, a member of Dignity Philadelphia, a local chapter of a national organization focusing on LGBTQ rights within the Catholic Church. 

“I woke up at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., messages on my phone and I was like, what happened?” she said. “And it was friends and family letting me know that he passed, and at first I was shocked simply because of timing. It was Easter Monday and he was out in public the day before. He did mass and he spoke with the vice president [of the U.S., JD Vance]. It wasn’t something that was expected, it was really shocking.” 

Kercher said Dignity Philadelphia has given her a space to re-explore her faith journey. This allowed her to express her identity while still practicing her faith. 

“As I’ve been able to get out of my hometown and become more independent in college, I was looking to explore my faith a little bit more,” she said. “And I found Dignity, which has been an amazing community and an amazing resource for speaking with other people. And they’ve really helped me with my journey with faith and coming back to a church that has previously been pretty hostile.” 

Despite her positive experience locally, she said the Pope’s death leaves a sense of “fear and uncertainty” within her community. She said she hopes the next Pope will focus on moving forward. 

“My hope is, and I think a lot of people’s hope is that the next Pope can pick up where Francis has left us, and continue to solidify and push some more tangible reforms,” she said. “Because I don’t think that everything that Francis intended to get done or that he might have liked to get done was able to get through within the institution of the Catholic Church. I hope that whatever Pope follows does not either push us back or leave us at this kind of stagnant place where we are right now.”

Kate Carroll is the president of the board of directors for Dignity Philadelphia. She said Francis’ stances on LGBTQ issues made many Dignity members feel connected to him. 

“So many individuals have been touched by the death of Pope Francis,” they said. “He was a leader of this huge institution, of the Catholic Church globally. But he also, thanks to his actions and thanks to his appearances, it felt like even those of us who hadn’t had the opportunity to meet him had somewhat of a personal connection to him.”

While Francis did not fully embrace all LGBTQ rights and issues, Carroll said she worked to move forward. Most famously, soon after his ascension to the role in 2013, he said in response to a question, “If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?”

“Another element of his individual and evolving nature is his willingness to listen, his willingness to meet with people and his willingness to welcome in everyone regardless of who they are or where they come from,” she said.

In terms of the transition, Carroll said she has observed her fellow Dignity Philadelphia members having a mix of emotions. 

“I think of course everyone has their own personal thoughts, feelings, hopes, concerns, but generally I think the feeling amongst members of Dignity Philadelphia is great anticipation with a tinge of worry,” they said.

She said there are some worries that come with the transition to a new Pope. Carroll explained there are a lot of ways the next appointed leader can decide to move forward.

“I think there’s a real decision to be made there about what the institutional church wants to be and who they want to include,” she said. “Is it gonna be a church for all people? Is it gonna be a church for young people? Is it going to be a church for people of different backgrounds? Is it going to be a tolerant and accepting, diverse church? Or will our communities separate from that church, have to continue?” 

There are 133 cardinals expected to vote in the conclave process starting on Wednesday afternoon. According to Reuters, several cardinals say they’re unsure who the next Pope will be, and that there aren’t concrete frontrunners. While some cardinals are expected to vote to uphold the Pope’s “welcoming and transparent” Church views, others are looking for someone who will push more “traditional” roots.