But as the proverbial wisdom here in Italy warns: "He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal." After Francis — a pope of surprises — one should be prepared for the possibility that a surprise candidate could follow him. [...]

Pope Francis asked us to be signs of hope for others, as he himself has been an outstanding embodiment of Christian hope even in times of sickness, fragility and death. As we remember him in a spirit of thanksgiving and trust, let us endeavour to be the Church that shines forth the light of the risen Christ. [...]