The Catholic Church is mourning the death of Pope Francis and has begun the process of choosing his successor. The next Pope will be selected during a papal conclave, a private meeting of cardinals. All 252 cardinals from around the world will go to Rome, but only up to 115 of them are allowed to vote. The voting continues until one candidate receives support from at least two-thirds of the cardinals.
Per ABC, the chosen candidate must agree to become Pope and pick a new papal name. The decision is announced to the public when white smoke rises from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Several cardinals are seen as possible candidates, each with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
The result of the conclave is uncertain. While some cardinals are seen as leading candidates, the process is secret and can be influenced by many factors. The final decision is up to the cardinals, and their choice will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church.
A new Pope will be elected among many candidates
The first big candidate is Cardinal Luis Tagle, a 67-year-old cardinal from the Philippines, who is sometimes called the “Asian Pope Francis” because he shares many of the late Pope’s progressive ideas. He has spoken out against the Church’s strict rules on homosexuality, divorce, and single motherhood.
If chosen, he would be the first Pope from Asia. On the other hand, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, a 65-year-old cardinal from Congo, has publicly disagreed with Pope Francis, including rejecting a decision to bless same-sex couples. If he becomes Pope, it could mean a major change in the Church’s direction.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian who serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is an experienced diplomat who has worked in Nigeria and Mexico. He holds moderate positions on most issues and could continue Pope Francis’s legacy. In contrast, Cardinal Wim Eijk, a 71-year-old Dutch cardinal, has more conservative views. He supports traditional teachings on remarriage and has criticized Pope Francis for allowing Protestants to take part in Catholic services.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, a 76-year-old American cardinal, is another strong conservative voice. He supports traditional views on divorce, remarriage, and homosexuality and wants to bring back the old Latin Mass. Cardinal Peter Erdő, a 72-year-old Hungarian cardinal, is also conservative, opposing communion for divorced and remarried Catholics. He has led the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe and is known for his strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, he has made controversial statements about refugees.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a 69-year-old Italian cardinal, is well-liked by Pope Francis, who appointed him as a peace negotiator in the Russia-Ukraine war. He has progressive views and supports dialogue with the LGBT community. Cardinal Mario Grech, a 67-year-old cardinal from Malta, is seen as a moderate who focuses on helping marginalized groups.
Other possible candidates include Jean-Marc Aveline (French), who is known for his relaxed style and support for Pope Francis’s ideas; Juan Jose Omella (Spanish), who is recognized for his pastoral care and work for social justice; Joseph Tobin (American), who has handled major scandals and shown openness to LGBT issues; and Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (Ghanaian), who has experience in both pastoral work and leading Vatican offices. Each candidate brings different experiences, priorities, and possible ways of handling the challenges facing the Catholic Church.
Published: Apr 21, 2025 10:40 am