Who will be the next pope?

Who will be the next pope?
The decision carries immense significance for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion baptized Roman Catholics. Yet, choosing a successor to Pope Francis remains unpredictable for several reasons.

The College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave inside the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote until one candidate emerges. With 80% of the cardinals appointed by Pope Francis, this group represents a global Church and will be electing a new pope for the first time. Notably, less than half of the voting members are European, a historic shift that makes this election even harder to forecast.

While Pope Francis’s appointees dominate, they are not strictly divided into “progressive” or “traditionalist” camps, adding to the uncertainty. Will the Church choose its first African or Asian pope, or revert to a seasoned figure within the Vatican? Here are some of the key contenders:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Nationality: Italian
Age: 70

A soft-spoken figure, Cardinal Parolin served as Secretary of State under Pope Francis, acting as his chief adviser and leading the Church’s central administration. Due to this role, he is seen as a top contender. Supporters admire his diplomatic approach and global vision, though critics argue he may sideline Church doctrine. Despite being favored by bookmakers, the saying still holds: “He who enters a conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal.” And though Italians once dominated the papacy, a non-European successor remains likely.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Nationality: Filipino
Age: 67

Often called the “Asian Francis,” Cardinal Tagle has a pastoral background and is known for his compassion on social issues and his advocacy for migrants. While firmly against abortion and euthanasia, he has also called for a gentler approach to marginalized groups, such as gay people, divorcees, and single mothers. His influence in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation with five voting cardinals, could bolster his chances.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu

Nationality: Congolese
Age: 65

From the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cardinal Ambongo is a key voice in African Catholicism. He opposes same-sex unions and upholds traditional Church teachings, yet he promotes interfaith cooperation. His leadership in a region plagued by conflict and religious persecution has won him respect, though his views on evangelism and mission may cause debate within the conclave.

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Nationality: Ghanaian
Age: 76

A long-standing figure in the Church, Cardinal Turkson was once the frontrunner during the 2013 conclave. Known for his energy and musical past, he represents a conservative theological stance but has publicly opposed criminalizing homosexuality in Ghana. While he questions whether the papacy should be based on regional growth, his election would mark a historic return of the African pope after 1,500 years.

Cardinal Péter Erdő

Nationality: Hungarian
Age: 72

Highly respected in European circles, Erdő led the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences and has worked to strengthen ties with the Orthodox Church. He is considered a potential compromise candidate and played a key role during Pope Francis’s visits to Hungary. His conservative stance on family and migration resonates with parts of the Church, but his alignment with Hungary’s nationalist policies could be a sticking point.

Cardinal Angelo Scola

Nationality: Italian
Age: 82 (Not eligible to vote)

Although he cannot vote, Cardinal Scola can still be elected. Once a leading contender in 2013, his name has re-emerged due to his upcoming book on aging—introduced by a preface from Pope Francis himself. While respected, his focus on old age may not align with the vision for a future-facing pope.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx

Nationality: German
Age: 71

A major reform voice, Marx served as a top adviser to Pope Francis for a decade and currently oversees Vatican financial reforms. He advocates a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ issues in Church teaching. However, his offer to resign over past mishandling of abuse cases in Germany, which Pope Francis rejected, and his departure from the Council of Cardinals in 2022, may affect his standing.