As Conclave Begins, Conservative Catholics Try To Make Sense Of Pope Francis

The papal conclave begins today, with dozens of cardinals arriving from around the globe to lock themselves away in the Sistine Chapel and cast ballots in secret for Pope Francis’ successor.
Amid the excitement, conservative Catholics in the United States are reflecting on Pope Francis, trying to make sense of a complicated papacy and wondering where the Catholic Church may be headed next.

The late pope was known for his love of the poor and his humble habits, but he also attracted controversy.
“Without a doubt he was inspirational to many people,” Austin Ruse, president of the Center for Family and Human Rights told The Daily Wire.
“There’s an outpouring of love toward him upon his passing and even conservatives can rejoice that he is now in the presence of his Maker. Even conservatives can recognize that he loved the Lord deeply,” Ruse said. “Having said that, I will also say that for many people, his pontificate was confusing.”