Cardinal electors cannot fix in their minds that Pope Francis was a Saint, writes Paul Kengor

Only 83 popes have been formally declared Saints , out of the 266 who have led the Catholic Church since it was established by Christ Jesus .

Pope Francis was responsible for much pain, anguish, hurt, division, and possibly even sin.

Catholics have a responsibility to pray for the pope and for the repose of his soul.

That cross must be firmly fixed in the cardinals’ minds as they debate, deliberate, and discern over the next successor of St. Peter .

The next man to wear the fisherman's ring will have to contend with the hurt left behind by his predecessor.

For the good of Pope Francis ’s soul, for the.

good of the Catholic Church , and for the good.

of the next pontiff, it is imperative that Catholics not gloss over the damage and decay of the past twelve years .