As Catholics around the globe eagerly await the white smoke to pour out of the Vatican chimney, those at one independent catholic parish in Tulsa marked the papal conclave’s first day by releasing rainbow smoke.
The Catholics gathered there for a conclave pride vigil on May 7 told us they’re praying for a more inclusive church and a new pope who will pick things up from where the late Francis, a reformer, left them.
The vigil served as a moment for mourning Francis and reflecting upon his legacy.
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At 43 years old, Father Joshua Shawnee became a pastor at St. Jerome five years ago.
When asked if he would have joined the priesthood if Francis weren’t pope, he replied, “I think Francis definitely inspired a lot of people, especially a lot of progressives.”…