Which cardinals are most likely to succeed Pope Francis?

The Catholic Church is getting ready for a conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor after his death on Easter Monday. A number of cardinals, each representing a different theological position and geographical area, are generally considered as possible candidates, even if the process is kept secret.

Pope Francis appointed 110 of the 138 cardinals who could cast votes in a secret meeting. With a greater representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America than past electors, this group is noticeably more diverse, which reflects Francis’s intention to reflect the global reach of the Church.

Therefore, it is possible that the next pope may come from Africa, Asia, or another historically underrepresented region in the Church’s leadership for the first time in centuries.

According to Al Jazeera, a global media network, and the Daily Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office, the official daily publication from the Vatican, these are some of the most powerful people being considered for the pope based on their jobs and influence inside the Church.

1. Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Often referred to as the “Asian Pope Francis,” Cardinal Tagle, 67, is one of the most well-known figures in the Catholic Church today. He is well-known for his pastoral sensitivity, humility, and effective communication skills—many of which characterized Pope Francis’s pontificate.

Tagle has been at the center of international Catholic affairs as the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a powerful Vatican position that oversees the Church’s missionary activity around the world.

His theological view, which closely reflects Pope Francis’s path, leans toward a progressive vision, particularly in areas of social justice, inclusivity, and outreach to the poor. He was born in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.

2. Peter Turkson, a Cardinal from Ghana

The 76-year-old Cardinal Peter Turkson is well-known for his strong dedication to environmental conservation, social justice, and peacebuilding—themes that have also been major focuses of Pope Francis’s pontificate.

Turkson, a former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, helped to shape the Church’s response to climate change and global injustice. Additionally, he contributed significantly to Pope Francis’s breakthrough environmental encyclical, “Laudato Si.”

Cardinal Turkson, a native of Ghana, would become the first African pope in modern history if he were elected. This would represent the Church’s acknowledgment of the expanding Catholic population in Africa.

Turkson has long been regarded as papabile, a serious candidate for the pope, due to his eloquence, diplomatic prowess, and theological depth.

3. DR Congo’s Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu

The 65-year-old Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, is a well-known African voice in the Catholic Church and is renowned throughout the continent for his fearless advocacy of justice and peace.

Ambongo, who is well-known for his strong moral leadership, has been a vocal supporter of the rights of the underprivileged and disenfranchised, regularly denouncing political unrest, corruption, and violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cardinal Ambongo is seen as theologically orthodox, but he also has a strong dedication to social campaigning. He has gained a reputation as a brave defender of Church ideals and human dignity against political pressure because of his leadership during times of national turmoil. Ambongo would become the first African pope, making history if elected.

4. Vatican City’s Cardinal Pietro Parolin

The 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin is the Secretary of State of the Holy See and one of the most powerful people in the Vatican. In his capacity as the Church’s chief diplomat, he is crucial in directing the Vatican’s foreign policy and overseeing its contacts with other countries.

Having played a significant role in reconciling international disputes and promoting communication between nations with disparate political and religious backgrounds, Parolin is renowned for his diplomatic abilities. He is well-liked by cardinals and the Vatican for his cool-headed, collected approach to diplomacy.

Parolin’s election as pope would provide a diplomatic leadership style that would strengthen the Vatican’s worldwide mission to advance peace and communication while also promoting unity inside the Church.

5. Italy’s Cardinal Matteo Zuppi

The 69-year-old Archbishop of Bologna, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, is a well-known and progressive member of the Catholic Church who is dedicated to social justice, human rights, and peace. Zuppi has concentrated on tackling the underlying causes of conflict and standing up for the underprivileged, in line with Pope Francis’s vision.

In Ukraine, where he was instrumental in Vatican mediation, he has been actively involved in international diplomatic efforts. In keeping with Francis’s pastoral themes, Zuppi also supports environmental sustainability, refugee rights, and poverty relief.

6. Italy’s Cardinal Mario Grech

Alongside Pope Francis, Cardinal Mario Grech, 68, is the Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops and is essential in determining the future of the Church. Grech, who is well-known for his spirituality, rigor, and dedication to pastoral care, promotes synodality, inclusivity, and communication within the Church.

Because of his leadership, he is now regarded as a respected authority on important topics like evangelization and contemporary society. Supporters anticipate that Grech will carry on Pope Francis’s mission of reform, communication, and outreach to underserved groups, which strengthens his candidacy.

7. Hungary’s Cardinal Péter Erdő

Cardinal Péter Erdő, 72, the Primate of Hungary and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, is a prominent conservative figure in the Catholic Church. Erdő is well-known for his theological knowledge, especially in the areas of ecclesiology and moral theology. He supports maintaining doctrinal consistency and historic doctrines.

His cautious approach to change and his dedication to preserving life, marriage, and family values have earned him recognition. Erdő is a revered person throughout Hungary and worldwide because, as a pastoral leader, he combines orthodoxy with a profound concern for the spiritual welfare of his flock. Those looking for consistency and clarity in the Church’s teachings may find his candidacy appealing.

A candidate for the papacy must be a male Roman Catholic who has been baptized. Only cardinals under 80 are allowed to attend the papal conclave, when they cast secret ballots until a two-thirds majority elects a new pope. With up to 120 electors, the conclave uses black or white smoke to indicate the result. The name of the newly elected pope is announced from St. Peter’s Basilica by a cardinal.