Pope Francis, history’s only Latin American pope, died on April 21st, the day after Easter Sunday. By his own request and breaking with hundreds of years of tradition, Francis was buried in a simple, unadorned tomb six days later.
Now, as Catholic cardinals from all over the world gather for the conclave to elect the next pope, we look back on Francisco’s papacy, his most praised achievements, as well as his most criticized shortcomings. Plus, how his leadership has influenced beyond the church and into popular culture.
Guest host Fernanda Echavarri speaks with professor and feminist theologian Natalia Imperatori-Lee and Argentinian-American journalist Antonia Cerejido. Together, they offer secular and religious perspectives on the former pope’s legacy.
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This episode was produced by Monica Morales-Garcia. It was edited by Andrea López-Cruzado and mixed By Leah Shaw Dameron.
Featured image by AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File


This was so good! Love the entire discussion. Made me laugh and cry. I especially love that Natalia Imperatori-Lee said she wanted to let the Holy Spirit work and did not want to jinx it! I am listening to this the day after learning about Pope Leo XIV. So much of conservative Catholic media personalities, like Raymond Arroyo, speak so arrogantly about Pope Francis and Pope Leo. They forget that the Cardinals are not voting on their own, but are supposed to be led by the Holy Spirit, just like the actions taken by the Pope! I am truly hopeful and trust in God that Pope Leo will continue to focus on following Jesus and not political figures.