The passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformational figure in the modern Catholic Church, has left a profound void in religious leadership. As the Church enters the traditional period known as Sede Vacante — the time between the end of one papacy and the election of a new pope — all eyes now turn toward the College of Cardinals.
A papal election, or conclave, is one of the most solemn and confidential events in the world. It takes place inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, where eligible cardinal electors under the age of 80 gather to vote in secrecy. The goal? To achieve a two-thirds majority for a single candidate — the man who will become the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
The list of potential successors is global and diverse, reflecting the increasingly multicultural face of Catholicism. Let’s explore the most prominent names being discussed — and what each one brings to the table.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67, Philippines)
Current Role: Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization
- Often dubbed the “Asian Francis”, Tagle is known for his deep commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and simplicity.
- Fluent in several languages and charismatic, he was previously Archbishop of Manila and led Caritas Internationalis, a Vatican-linked humanitarian network.
- His international profile and pastoral style align with Pope Francis’ vision of a more inclusive, grassroots-focused Church.
Controversies:
- In 2022, the Vatican removed Tagle and other leaders from Caritas Internationalis due to reported management issues and internal dysfunction, although he retained a Vatican post.
- Critics argue that this incident may impact his chances despite his popularity and strong theological grounding.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70, Italy)
Current Role: Vatican Secretary of State (since 2013)
- A career diplomat, Parolin is considered the second-most powerful person in the Vatican hierarchy after the pope.
- He has played key roles in sensitive negotiations, including the controversial China-Vatican deal on bishop appointments, aimed at normalizing the Church’s presence in communist China.
- Parolin represents institutional continuity and could be a consensus candidate for those seeking stability.
Criticism:
- Conservatives have accused Parolin of compromising too much with authoritarian regimes.
- The China deal has drawn sharp international criticism due to the lack of transparency and concerns over human rights in China.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (76, Ghana)
Current Role: Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies for Sciences and Social Sciences
- Turkson would be the first sub-Saharan African pope and is a respected figure for his environmental advocacy, notably contributing to Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change.
- Known for his balance of pastoral care and diplomacy, he has served as a papal peace envoy and led the Vatican’s department for human development.
Considerations:
- While widely admired, his age (76) may concern cardinals seeking a longer papacy.
- His straightforward communication and rootedness in Africa’s dynamic Catholic communities make him a compelling candidate.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet (79, Canada)
Former Role: Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops
- One of the most experienced Vatican insiders, Ouellet has overseen bishop appointments globally.
- Theologically conservative, multilingual, and respected in Latin America due to his time in Colombia.
- He was considered a frontrunner in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.
Controversies:
- Accused of sexual misconduct in a civil suit, but cleared after an internal Church investigation.
- Recently, a French court ruled against him in a wrongful dismissal case involving a nun, citing “serious misconduct.”
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (65, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Current Role: Archbishop of Kinshasa
- A strong advocate for environmental and social justice, Ambongo is a vocal defender of African interests and Church teachings.
- As a member of the pope’s Council of Cardinals, he is close to the Francis-era reforms.
- Known for his firm stance against same-sex blessings and secular trends in Western Catholicism.
Strengths:
- Represents the rapidly growing Catholic population in Africa, offering a chance to decentralize Vatican power.
- Deeply respected for his grassroots engagement and public advocacy.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (69, Italy)
Current Role: Archbishop of Bologna; President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference
- Nicknamed the “Italian Bergoglio,” Zuppi reflects many of Francis’ pastoral values, including compassion, humility, and engagement with the marginalized.
- He is closely tied to Sant’Egidio, a Catholic community known for international peace negotiations and poverty relief.
- Pope Francis has entrusted him with Vatican missions for peace, such as in Ukraine.
Challenges:
- Some conservatives consider Zuppi’s progressive views too aligned with the current pontificate.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (66, France)
Current Role: Archbishop of Marseille
- A strong voice on migration, interreligious dialogue, and integration, especially in multicultural Europe.
- Admired for his down-to-earth style and rapport with Pope Francis.
Drawbacks:
- His limited Italian fluency could be seen as a liability, given the pope’s dual role as Bishop of Rome.
Cardinal Péter Erdő (72, Hungary)
Current Role: Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
- Erdő is a canon law expert and has previously served as President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences.
- Known for being theologically conservative but willing to work with Francis’ reforms.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks the charisma of some frontrunners but is respected for his doctrinal clarity.
Cardinal Mario Grech (68, Malta)
Current Role: Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops
- Instrumental in Pope Francis’ vision of a more synodal Church, where bishops and laity collaborate in decision-making.
- Advocates for more compassionate approaches to LGBTQ+ Catholics and those on the Church’s margins.
Perception:
- Seen as a Vatican insider with wide respect, but may not appeal to conservatives wary of too much change.
Cardinal Juan José Omella (79, Spain)
Current Role: Archbishop of Barcelona
- Known for simplicity and social activism. He joined Pope Francis’ inner advisory council in 2023.
- Close personal rapport with Francis, which could work both for and against him depending on the conclave’s appetite for continuity.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin (72, USA)
Current Role: Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey
- Fluent in four languages and an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and abuse survivors.
- A rare American voice considered “papabile” despite geopolitical concerns over a U.S.-based pope.
Prospects:
- While respected, the global Church may hesitate to elect an American pope due to perceptions of U.S. global dominance.
Cardinal Angelo Scola (83, Italy)
Former Role: Archbishop of Milan
- A favorite during the 2013 conclave with strong theological training and conservative support.
- At 83, he is no longer eligible to vote in the conclave but could still technically be chosen — though this is rare in modern history.
What’s Next?
The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin in the coming weeks, following the official funeral rites for Pope Francis. According to Vatican protocols, the College of Cardinals will meet in General Congregations to discuss the needs of the Church before entering into the conclave.
As per tradition, “Extra omnes!” will be declared — ordering all non-voters out of the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals will then cast their votes in secrecy, with white smoke from the chimney indicating a successful election.
The Catholic Church stands at a crossroads. With over 1.3 billion followers worldwide and major issues such as secularism, climate change, abuse scandals, and interfaith relations on the horizon, the next pope will inherit both profound influence and deep challenges.
The next pope could once again make history — by becoming the first Asian, African, or American pope, or by continuing Pope Francis’ progressive legacy. Regardless of who is chosen, the decision will shape the global Church for decades to come.
The Information is Collected from AP News and CNN.
