With the Smell of Sheep : The Papacy of Pope Francis

Jonathan Thomas and guests examine the life and legacy of Pope Francis, from his beginnings in Buenos Aires to his leadership as the head of the Catholic Church. The passing of the 88 year old Pontiff this week came the day after he offered his final Apostolic Blessing on Easter Sunday. Francis famously told all priests to be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep," to connect and empathise with the people they serve. Thousands flocked to Rome for his funeral yesterday; a public reaction that has been echoed globally. We hear of the public response to his death from those visiting St David’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff, and a group of young pilgrims visiting Rome. And we explore the hallmarks of Pope Francis' pontificate. How he will be remembered by both his supporters and critics?

We look ahead to the conclave – the election of a new Pope – and the global significance of this at a pivotal time in the Church.

With contributions from:

Archbishop Mark O'Toole, who mas made a Bishop by Pope Francis;
Catherine Pepinster, a former editor of The Tablet (the Catholic Journal), and religious commentator
Fr Michael Doyle, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St. David, Cardiff
Fr Matt Roche Saunders, Director Director of Youth Mission, based in Cardiff who travelled to Rome this week with a group of young pilgrims