White smoke will soon rise again from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a new era of leadership in the Catholic Church — but first, there must be prayers, meetings and a highly secretive conclave that includes a cardinal with deep ties to Pittsburgh.
The big picture: Pope Francis’ death puts into motion a meticulous process that brings cardinals from across the globe to the Vatican for a historic vote on who will lead the Roman Catholic Church.
- The conclave typically draws the attention of those in and out of the faith community and marks a new era for the Church.
Driving the news: Francis died last week at 88, weeks after he was released from an extended hospital stay and bout with pneumonia.
- The individual chosen to replace Francis will be the 267th pope.
One of the 135 electors who will vote on a new pope is Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who spent many years at churches in Pittsburgh.
- DiNardo participated in the conclave of March 2013, which elected Francis.
Catch up quick: DiNardo was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, less than an hour from Pittsburgh.
- After his ordination in the late 1970s, he served as parochial vicar in St. Pius X in Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood, according to the Vatican’s website.
- In 1981 he was appointed assistant chancellor of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and taught at St. Paul’s seminary in the city’s West End.
- After working in the Vatican in the late 1980s, he returned to Pittsburgh in 1991 to serve as assistant secretary for education of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and co-administrator of Madonna del Castello Church in Swissvale.
DiNardo later became bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, and then archbishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston.
What’s next: The conclave is expected to begin sometime between May 6 and May 11, in accordance with Vatican rules…