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Cardinals Enter Historic Conclave to Elect Next Pope Amid Global Crossroads for the Catholic Church

Edward Saenz
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Cardinals Enter Historic Conclave to Elect Next Pope Amid Global Crossroads for the Catholic Church

The College of Cardinals began the highly anticipated process of electing a new pope on Wednesday afternoon inside the Sistine Chapel, with 133 eligible cardinal-electors casting their initial ballots. The secretive and sacred tradition, known as a papal conclave, will continue until one candidate achieves the required two-thirds majority vote.

The length of the conclave remains uncertain. While some modern papal elections have concluded within two or three days, the outcome of this particular vote could hinge on deep ideological divides within the Church.

A defining feature of this year’s conclave is its extraordinary diversity. The majority of electors were appointed by the late Pope Francis, whose global outreach and emphasis on inclusion reshaped the College of Cardinals. However, experts caution that this does not guarantee the election of a like-minded successor, as some of his appointees hail from regions with traditionally conservative leanings.

During the conclave, cardinals are completely cut off from external contact. Their phones have been surrendered, and communications from the Sistine Chapel have been disabled to preserve the secrecy of the proceedings.

Who Might Succeed Francis?

No single candidate has emerged as a clear favorite, though a handful of names are generating significant buzz in Vatican circles and on betting markets. Italy’s Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican secretary of state, is considered a pragmatic moderate. Meanwhile, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is viewed as a progressive voice aligned with Francis’s vision, known for his humility and advocacy for the poor.

Other potential frontrunners include Italian Cardinals Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Matteo Zuppi, along with cardinals from around the world such as Fridolin Ambongo (Congo), Peter Erdo (Hungary), Peter Turkson (Ghana), and Jean-Marc Aveline (France).

The Election Process

The conclave formally opened with a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before the cardinals proceeded to the Sistine Chapel. From then on, they will vote up to four times daily. Each ballot is handwritten with the Latin phrase, “Eligo in summum pontificem” (“I elect as supreme pontiff”).

After each round, ballots are burned with chemicals that produce either black smoke (indicating no decision) or white smoke (signaling a successful election). Pilgrims and press from around the world are gathered in St. Peter’s Square, scanning the skies for the next plume.

A Pivotal Moment for the Church

This conclave carries significant implications for the direction of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis left a complex legacy—praised by many for his progressive stances on LGBTQ inclusion and women’s leadership, yet criticized by traditionalists who felt he steered too far from orthodoxy.

Some cardinals are eager to continue Francis’s reforms. Others, however, believe the Church must course-correct. “Some want someone in the mold of Francis,” Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Sweden told reporters.

“Others absolutely do not.” Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini emphasized a need to “return the church to Catholics,” signaling the intensity of competing visions within the conclave, according to Forbes.

Dean of the College of Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re acknowledged the gravity of the moment, calling it “a difficult and complex turning point in history” and praying for a pope who would lead “for the good of the Church and of humanity.”

Pop Culture Meets Papal Politics

In a surprising twist, some cardinals reportedly watched Conclave, the Oscar-winning drama released earlier this year, in preparation for the real-life event. Viewership of the film surged by nearly 300% in the wake of Francis’s passing, according to Luminate. One cleric described the movie as “remarkably accurate.”

Background on Pope Francis’s Passing

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, following complications from pneumonia and bronchitis. He suffered a cerebral stroke and heart failure during what became his longest hospitalization as pontiff. His death marks the end of a transformative era and sets the stage for what may be one of the most consequential papal elections in modern Church history.

Keep up with the conclave with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Scattered thunderstorms will continue into Wednesday

ABC13 Houston
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Scattered thunderstorms will continue into Wednesday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The threat for widespread severe weather and flooding has ended for most of southeast Texas. Scattered thunderstorms will continue on Wednesday, so don’t put away your umbrellas quite yet. Thunderstorms near the coast Wednesday morning will still pose a street flooding threat.

What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will continue to spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas for Wednesday through Thursday, some of which could be severe. Rain chances gradually decrease from 40% Wednesday to 20% Friday.

So is the weather still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Well, mostly. The upper low bringing all our stormy weather looks like it may not push as far away from us this weekend as we originally thought. If it does linger nearby, we’ll get more clouds this weekend with a few showers possible both Saturday and Sunday. We’ll still enjoy a little humidity drop with the breeze coming in from the north. Lows will be near 60 with highs near 80.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Texas could recoup up to $800M for border effort under latest House spending bill

Edward Saenz
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Texas could recoup up to $800M for border effort under latest House spending bill

Texas could receive nearly $800 million in federal reimbursements for Governor Greg Abbott’s border security initiatives during the Biden administration, as Congress considers the allocation. This potential funding, though significantly less than the $11 billion sought by Abbott and Texas Republicans in Congress, would provide a substantial financial boost to the state’s efforts.

The proposed reimbursement is included in a large spending bill under development in the U.S. House, which also incorporates tax cuts advocated by President Donald Trump. While the legislation allows any state to seek reimbursement for border immigration enforcement, Texas stands out as the only southern border state with a Republican governor who has invested billions in such measures through Operation Lone Star.

Governor Abbott utilized state funds for various border security activities, including transporting migrants to northern cities, deploying state troopers, installing miles of razor wire, and constructing approximately 60 miles of border wall after federal construction was halted.

U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw emphasized the need to “pay Texas back” and noted that while the current spending bill doesn’t meet the full $11 billion request, there is still opportunity for further negotiation. The House aims to finalize its budget package by Memorial Day, with Senate Republicans expected to develop their version in June. Agreement between both chambers is necessary before the bill can reach President Trump for his approval.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn affirmed his commitment to advocating for increased funding for Texas in the Senate, stating his expectation that Texas will be reimbursed for expenses incurred by state taxpayers that should have been a federal responsibility by the end of July.

Governor Abbott has framed the reimbursement as a “real estate” transaction during White House visits, offering the transfer of existing border wall and easements to the federal government. He also joined a formal letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune requesting full reimbursement.

Despite the change in administration, Texas continues to allocate significant state funding for border security. The Texas House has voted to allocate an additional $6.5 billion, including $2.8 billion for further barrier construction along the Rio Grande, $2.3 billion for the Texas Military Department, and $1.2 billion for the Department of Public Safety for border patrol personnel.

This continued funding occurs against a backdrop of declining border crossings, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection reporting only 7,000 apprehensions along the entire U.S.-Mexico border in March, a 95% decrease from the 137,000 apprehensions reported a year prior.

Texas lawmakers reach deal that gives property tax breaks to homeowners

Edward Saenz
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Texas lawmakers reach deal that gives property tax breaks to homeowners

State lawmakers have reached a deal on how to allocate more than $3 billion in new property tax relief, with the bulk of the cuts set to benefit homeowners.

The agreement, revealed in Senate and House committee hearings Monday, would increase the homestead exemption to $140,000 for most homeowners and to $200,000 for seniors and those with disabilities. The proposal would also increase the exemption for property owned by businesses from $2,500 to $125,000, effectively reducing the taxes they pay on inventory and office expenses.

State Rep. Morgan Meyer, a Dallas Republican who chairs the House Ways & Means committee, thanked Republican leadership for “working together to provide meaningful property tax relief.” 

Both proposals still need final sign-off by the Texas House and Senate. Gov. Greg Abbott, who has made property tax relief a priority this year, has yet to weigh in.

The deal largely mirrors legislation favored by the state Senate, which voted unanimously in February to raise the homestead exemption from the current $100,000. The exemption lowers the taxable value of a home and only applies to someone’s primary residence. 

The increased exemption would save homeowners an average of $363 annually, said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican and the bill’s author, when he proposed the bill in February.

The House had originally proposed spending the bulk of the money to reduce school property tax rates across the board, a mechanism known as compression. Business interests have supported the approach because it spreads tax relief to commercial properties as well as primary residences. 

The House plan appears all but dead, as Meyer said his committee would vote out the Senate tax proposal “as is.” 

“I think compression is the fairer method of lowering property taxes for everyone,” said Cody Vasut, a Republican from Angleton. “But certainly homeowners are seeing probably some of the heaviest effects of rising property taxes.” 

Vasut said that even if the final property tax legislation doesn’t include any reduction in overall tax rates, compression passed in previous legislative sessions would carry forward. 

The deal follows a contentious fight in 2023, when lawmakers returned for special sessions to hammer out details on a $12.7 billion property tax relief package. Ultimately, they agreed to a compromise deal that increased the homestead exemption to $100,000 from $40,000 and compressed school tax rates by 10.7 cents for every $100 of property value.

Democrats have mostly supported increasing homestead exemptions, which tax experts say deliver the most relief for low-income households. “If we’re going to cut taxes, the best and most equitable way to do it is the homestead exemption,” said state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, a San Antonio Democrat. 

But lawmakers from both parties have questioned whether continued property tax cuts are prudent. The budget for the coming biennium sets aside a whopping $51 billion to pay for past cuts and fund new ones – 22% of the state’s total spending, according to estimates from the Legislative Budget Board.

“What’s good today could be a major challenge tomorrow,” Martinez Fischer said. “I wish the legislature would be as focused on the needs of the state as they are on cutting people’s taxes. 

On Monday, a Senate committee also considered House Bill 9 by Meyer, which would reduce taxes charged on business property like inventory and office expenses. The original bill proposed a $250,000 exemption at a cost to the state of $566 million over the coming two-year budget cycle, but a committee substitute reduced that to $125,000. That translates to roughly $2,500 annually in savings for the average business owner, Bettencourt said.

“It’s a great idea… to do targeted property tax relief for businesses,” Bettencourt said. “We’re happy that the homestead exemption bills are moving too. That means we’ve got home and business property tax relief on the way in the Texas legislature and that’s a happy day.”

Netflix Axes Four Shows Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Que Onda Editorial
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Netflix Axes Four Shows Ahead of 2025–26 Season

Despite its growing library of original content, Netflix is once again making room by trimming its lineup. The streamer confirmed that four series won’t be returning.

What’s Getting Cut

According to DirecTV, two shows—”The Empress” and “The Sandman”—will conclude with their upcoming seasons. Meanwhile, “Territory” and “The Recruit” have been canceled outright, with no plans for closure through a final season.

‘The Empress’ Ends After Season 3

“The Empress,” a German historical drama about Empress Elisabeth of Austria, found early international success. It ranked as Netflix’s second-most-watched series globally for two weeks and was the seventh most popular non-English title in 2022. Still, its run will end after the third season.

‘The Sandman’ Won’t Return After Season 2

Based on Neil Gaiman’s iconic DC comic series, “The Sandman” was renewed for a second season, but that will be its last. Despite a passionate fan base, Netflix is calling it quits after two installments.

‘Territory’ Cut After One Season

The Australian neo-western drama “Territory” only managed one season before Netflix pulled the plug. While visually striking and thematically bold, it didn’t survive the network’s content shuffle.

‘The Recruit’ Falls Short of a Finale

“The Recruit,” a fast-paced spy thriller about a rookie CIA lawyer thrown into global chaos, also ends without resolution. Netflix canceled it before a second season could materialize.

Why This Happens

Though some fans are sure to be disappointed, the streaming industry thrives on tough choices. Even shows with strong followings sometimes don’t meet the metrics Netflix needs to justify renewal.

Keep up with all things streaming with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Hispanic Consumers Pull Back on Grocery Spending

Indira Zaldivar
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Hispanic Consumers Pull Back on Grocery Spending

Major consumer companies like Coca-Cola, Constellation Brands, and Colgate-Palmolive are reporting weaker North American sales due to reduced spending by Hispanic shoppers.

Why It Matters

Hispanic Americans represent about 20% of the U.S. population and are the second-largest and second-fastest-growing demographic group. Their spending has historically outpaced non-Hispanic consumers, especially on consumer packaged goods.

What’s Behind the Decline

Executives point to rising economic anxiety and stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration as reasons for the shift. A Goldman Sachs note highlighted a sharp dip in Hispanic net purchase intent in January, citing fear around immigration as a key factor.

Beer Sales Hit Hard

Constellation Brands, known for Modelo and Corona, has seen notable pullback. Modelo Especial, the top-selling U.S. beer, owes much of its success to Hispanic consumers—more than 50% of its drinkers identify as Hispanic. But in 2024, CEO Bill Newlands said consumer anxiety, job concerns, and fewer social gatherings have dampened spending.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages Feel the Impact

Keurig Dr Pepper and Coca-Cola also reported decreased spending from Hispanic shoppers. Keurig noted fewer trips and smaller purchases. Coca-Cola pointed to false social media rumors about reporting undocumented workers, which hurt traffic in Southern states.

Beyond Beverages: Grocery Staples See Drop

Associated British Foods, maker of Mazola cooking oil, and Colgate-Palmolive both experienced reduced purchases by Hispanic shoppers. ABF’s CEO George Weston described the market as “recessionary” in Hispanic-heavy regions of the U.S. Colgate reported a 2.3% volume drop in North America in Q1.

Walmart Stays Neutral

Despite the trend, Walmart has not seen significant changes tied to immigration policy. CEO Doug McMillon called it a “nonevent” so far.

The Bigger Picture

The Latino economy reached $3.6 trillion in 2022, but current pressures may reshape how companies connect with Hispanic consumers. While some brands are adjusting strategies, the long-term importance of this demographic remains clear.

Keep up with the impact of Latinos on the U.S. economy with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Search continues for 10-year-old who was swept away by rising water in Brenham park, fire dept. says

ABC13 Houston
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Search continues for 10-year-old who was swept away by rising water in Brenham park, fire dept. says

BRENHAM, Texas (KTRK) — A search and rescue effort is underway after a 10-year-old girl was swept away by quickly rising water in Brenham on Monday, according to fire officials.

The incident happened on Monday evening near Fireman’s Park for a swift water rescue.

Fire officials say the girl was walking home from Brenham Elementary with her sister in the rain. The girls crossed a bridge, but water quickly rose and splashed up around the side of the bridge, sweeping one of them away.

A male neighbor was able to grab hold of the child initially, but the water was too powerful, and she was swept out of his arms, according to fire officials.

A Brenham police officer also got in the water, but was unable to make contact with the child, authorities said.

“This is normal behavior for her to walk home and walk by the creek and get to her house. This was nothing unusual. This was a quickly rising creek that nobody could have seen coming,” Melinda Gordon, with the City of Brenham, said.

Search and rescue efforts are underway, and a six-person Conroe Swift Water Rescue Team is en route to help with the search.

In a 7:58 p.m. update, Brenham fire officials say they are actively searching for the child in coordination with more than a dozen supporting agencies.

Land-based search teams worked hard overnight but had to scale back their efforts as rain came through.

Authorities said search crews will resume operations at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, as soon as it is safe to do so.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Alert Day: Tornado Watch in effect for southeast Texas counties

ABC13 Houston
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ABC13 Weather Alert Day: Tornado Watch in effect for southeast Texas counties

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tuesday is an ABC13 Weather Alert Day. All severe hazards will be possible as we head through the afternoon hours.

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch until 4 p.m. for parts of southeast Texas, including the following counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Houston, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton. Isolated tornadoes, hail up to 3″ in diameter, and winds up to 70 mph will be the main risks.

There’s also a Flood Watch in effect for Tuesday for our northern counties.

We are starting off this morning with scattered showers which should blossom into storms by the mid to late morning hours. Storms should become more numerous into the afternoon and it’s possible we also could see a broken line of storms try to move in during the evening hours. The greatest risk of severe weather will be in the mid morning through the afternoon hours.What else should we know about the ABC13 Weather Alert Day for Tuesday?

Tuesday is an ABC13 Weather Alert Day because of the potential for severe storms and flash flooding. These storms could produce hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Street flooding is likely where a quick 1 to 3 inches falls in the heavier storms. Our coastal counties are least likely to get these storms, so the risk for bad weather will increase the farther north you go from the coast.

What’s on tap for the rest of the work week?

An upper-level low centered west of Texas will continue to spin up showers and thunderstorms over Southeast Texas for Wednesday through Thursday, some of which could be severe. Rain chances gradually decrease from 60% Wednesday to 30% Friday. Then a lovely “cool” front will blow in just in time for the weekend.

How much rain are we expecting this week?

Depends on the intensity of the showers and storms and how many roll through your neighborhood. But on average most of Southeast Texas will pick up around 1 to 3 inches of rain this week. Some areas could see more though, which is why there’s a localized flood concern. Flash flooding could be a localized threat when the heavy rain falls Tuesday and Wednesday.

So things are still looking good for Mother’s Day weekend?

Thankfully it looks like that upper-level low will finally pull away from the region just in time for Mom, leaving behind a calmer weekend of weather similar to last weekend. Both days look dry with low humidity, abundant sunshine, and pleasant temperatures warming from around 60 in the morning to around 80 in the afternoon.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Keep up with all things Houston with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Houston storm prep threatened as Trump pulls resources from major climate report

Edward Saenz
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Houston storm prep threatened as Trump pulls resources from major climate report

The Trump administration’s decision to disband hundreds of scientists and experts working on the National Climate Assessment has immediate implications for Texas. This report is crucial for Houston’s planning against extreme weather events like hurricanes. Over 400 volunteer scientists nationwide, including at least four in Texas, were dismissed from their roles via email. Texas researchers from institutions like the University of Texas system and Texas Tech University were looking forward to contributing to this assessment, which is used by various entities, from local governments to agricultural businesses.

Katharine Hayhoe, a Texas-based author of a previous assessment, emphasized its importance as a peer-reviewed study quantifying climate change impacts. This action followed NASA’s cancellation of its support contract and the dismissal of staff from the U.S. Global Change Research Program.

The National Climate Assessment, updated periodically by 15 government agencies and external researchers as mandated by a 1990 law, informs Houston’s hazard assessments and preparedness plans, as stated by Mel Bartis of the city’s Office of Emergency Management. The 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan referenced this assessment.

Sascha Petersen, a Texas-based expert released from his role, expressed disappointment but hopes the federal government will continue the assessment. He noted the significant effort required for such a comprehensive report and the necessity of federal support. Petersen, a contributor to previous assessments, would have led the Southern Great Plains region’s section. Groups and agencies rely on these assessments for planning against climate impacts.

Jen Duggan of the Environmental Integrity Project stated that dismissing scientists does not negate the reality of climate change. The next report, initially expected between late 2027 and early 2028, now faces uncertainty. Luke Metzger of Environment Texas warned of the dangers of abandoning the report amid increasingly severe weather.

U.S. declares military zone in El Paso, allowing soldiers to arrest migrants

Edward Saenz
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U.S. declares military zone in El Paso, allowing soldiers to arrest migrants

The Pentagon has established a second military zone in the El Paso area, enabling U.S. soldiers to patrol as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb illegal southern border crossings, despite these crossings being at a historic low.

U.S. Northern Command announced Thursday that this new military zone will be within the Fort Bliss Army base and will extend approximately 53 miles east to Fort Hancock, according to Maj. Geoffrey Carmichael of the Joint Task Force – Southern Border, as reported by Stars and Stripes.

Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command, stated that this second National Defense Area will enhance their operational reach and effectiveness in preventing illegal activity along the southern border.

This development follows the Pentagon’s designation last month of a 60-foot-wide strip along the New Mexico-Mexico border as a military zone. On Monday, federal prosecutors charged over two dozen migrants with violating security regulations after the U.S. Army spotted them and alerted Border Patrol agents. These charges are in addition to the misdemeanor charge of illegal entry.

Geoffrey S. Corn, director of the Center for Military Law and Policy at Texas Tech University School of Law and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, noted the long-standing federal prohibition on using the military for civilian law enforcement, as their primary mission is not law enforcement.

Corn stated that soldiers are “trained as warriors.”

Nevertheless, he believes the Trump administration has found a creative way to involve the military in immigration enforcement without congressional approval.

While the Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the U.S. military from civilian law enforcement, the military purpose doctrine provides exceptions.

Corn argued that “using the military as part of border security reinforces the perception and the narrative that the nation is under some type of invasion,” despite the fact that “the number of border crossings has been steadily dropping for some time now.”

In March, the Department of Homeland Security reported 1,627 migrant encounters in the El Paso sector (including all of New Mexico’s border and parts of West Texas), an 87% decrease since August 2024.

Aimée Santillán, a policy analyst at the Hope Border Institute, an El Paso immigrant rights group, expressed concern over the “militarization of our border,” stating that this escalation is “deeply concerning” as it further criminalizes asylum seekers and could negatively impact humanitarian aid at a time when migrant deaths in the El Paso Border Patrol Sector are increasing.

Federal data compiled by No More Deaths, a migrant aid group, indicates that at least 176 migrants died in the El Paso sector in 2024, continuing a decade-long upward trend, compared to only one documented death in 2014.

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