Brief Summary
This CNN 10 episode covers a range of topics, starting with the selection process for a new Pope following Pope Francis's death. It details the traditions and procedures involved in the conclave, including voting rules and secrecy. The episode also highlights the rescue and rehabilitation efforts for injured sea turtles in Hawaii, focusing on the impact of fishing gear on these animals. Finally, it celebrates the restoration of a beloved strawberry landmark in Iowa and introduces the vocab word "anthropomorphize."
- The process of selecting a new Pope involves ancient traditions and strict rules.
- Fishing gear is a major threat to sea turtles, necessitating rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
- Community involvement is crucial for successful conservation.
- A giant strawberry landmark in Iowa gets a makeover.
The Papal Interregnum and Electing a New Pope
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has entered the papel interregnum, a period between popes. Preparations are underway for his funeral, and Vatican officials are beginning the process of selecting a new leader of the Catholic Church. Christopher Lamb, CNN's Vatican correspondent, explains the ceremonious steps involved in electing a new pope, a process that combines ancient tradition, religious ritual, and politics.
Technically, any Roman Catholic male can be elected, but the next pope will likely come from among the cardinals. The college of cardinals, chosen by the popes, is responsible for electing a new pope. Cardinals must be under 80 years old to participate in the vote. The election, known as a conclave, usually occurs 15 to 20 days after the papal office becomes vacant, and all eligible candidates must vote in person. Before voting, cardinals gather in Rome to discuss important issues facing the church and potential candidates.
The conclave begins with a special morning mass in St. Peter's Basilica, after which the guarded vote takes place in the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals are prohibited from communicating with the outside world or discussing election details, risking excommunication if they break these rules. They write a candidate's name on a ballot and drop it into a chalice. A candidate needs 2/3 of the vote to be elected pope. Ballots are burned after each voting session, with chemicals added to the smoke to signal whether a pope has been chosen: black smoke indicates no winner, while white smoke signals a new pontiff. The chosen man must accept the decision, after which a senior cardinal announces "We have a pope" and introduces the new pontiff to the crowd in St. Peter's Square.
Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation in Hawaii
Six out of the seven sea turtle species are considered threatened with extinction. The Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI) in Hawaii has rescued over 1,400 sea turtles, with 85% of their injuries caused by discarded fishing gear. The report shows the rescue and rehabilitation team taking injured sea turtles from treatment to rehabilitation and release.
Dustin Parody, the executive director at MOCMI, oversees the rescue and rehab of sea turtles, noting that the majority of cases involve fishing line entanglement. The team uses a multimodal approach to try to preserve the turtle's flipper, resorting to amputation in severe cases. Turtles receive treatment every 72 hours, including antibiotics, and blood is drawn weekly to monitor healing. The average stay for rehab patients is about 45 days.
Since 2020, MOCMI has rescued over 1,400 turtles, with fishing gear causing most injuries. Green sea turtles are a keystone species, critical for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. They are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1978 but are showing signs of recovery in Hawaii. Community involvement is essential, empowering people to take a hands-on approach and make a change. After rehabilitation, turtles are released back into the wild, ensuring they are comfortable and able to forage. Seeing rehabilitated turtles thriving months or years later is the most rewarding part of the process.
Strawberry Landmark Restoration in Iowa
In Strawberry Point, Iowa, the iconic 15-foot tall strawberry landmark, which has stood for over 60 years, was in need of restoration. The town decided to preserve it, giving it TLC and a fresh coat of paint. After a month-long "glam sesh," the beloved berry is back in its patch in the heart of downtown, just in time for summer.
Word Wednesday: Anthropomorphize
The vocab word for this episode is "anthropomorphize," submitted by Mrs. Stockman and her students at Endeavor in Sou Falls, South Dakota. Anthropomorphize means to attribute human form or personality to things not human.
