America UnCanceled: Mercedes Schlapp & Frank Pavone

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, weighs in on Pope Francis’ mixed legacy and the forthcoming traditional events in the wake of his death. 

Who really was Pope Francis? According to Pavone, he was a kind and flawed human.  

“He could be very, very kind, I mean, the times that I spoke to him, very, very kind, very fatherly and encouraging but if he was upset with somebody, he could be pretty scary,” said Pavone. “He was known to lose his patience at times and I think, sometimes we saw that even on the public stage.” 

Following his death, the Church will follow a set of customs, including special masses and prayer services, and a mourning period of nine days. After the mourning period, the college of cardinals will gather in a conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor.  

Watch the full conversation on CPAC+ to hear Pavone’s commentary on who could be the next pope.