As the Catholic Church grieves the loss of Pope Francis, attention is swiftly turning toward the sacred and highly confidential process of choosing his successor.
Preparations are underway for the conclave, where cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope who will lead more than 1.3 billion Catholics globally.
Though veiled in secrecy and said to be guided by divine inspiration, speculation is already circling around several notable figures seen as leading contenders. Each candidate embodies different visions for the Church’s future.
One frontrunner is Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France, a 66-year-old Archbishop of Marseille elevated to cardinal in 2022.
Aveline, known for his intellectual rigor and pastoral approach, shares Pope Francis’ moderate outlook and is praised for advocating interfaith dialogue and inclusivity.
Another candidate, Peter Erdo of Hungary, aged 71, represents the Church’s conservative wing.
The Archbishop of Budapest and former leader of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, Erdo is well-known for opposing same-sex unions and promoting doctrinal orthodoxy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, of Italy, brings decades of diplomatic experience as the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
He played a pivotal role in international dealings, such as the Vatican-China accord, and is considered a pragmatic figure with strong alignment to Francis’ global vision.
From the Global South, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines stands out. Referred to as the “Asian Francis,” the 67-year-old former Archbishop of Manila and current pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization is admired for his compassionate and reform-driven leadership.
In Canada, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, 80, though advanced in age, remains a respected conservative voice within Vatican circles, with decades of service shaping his influence.
Progressives are rallying behind Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, aged 69. As Archbishop of Bologna and head of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is known for championing social justice and has shown openness toward blessing same-sex couples.
From Africa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Congo, 65, represents the continent’s rising prominence in the Church.
The Archbishop of Kinshasa and close advisor to Pope Francis is an advocate for social justice but remains conservative on certain doctrinal matters.
Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, 79, is another prominent African contender, highly regarded by traditionalists. The former prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship, Sarah is a vocal critic of liberal trends and Western secularism.
Also under consideration is Cardinal Mario Grech of Malta, 68, currently the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops. Once a staunch conservative, Grech has shifted toward moderation, supporting discussions on women deacons and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Whoever is chosen will face the immense task of leading a Church torn between tradition and reform. With Western congregations declining and enthusiasm surging in the Global South, the next pope’s direction could redefine Catholicism for decades to come.
As the cardinals prepare for seclusion behind the Vatican walls, the pressing question remains: What kind of leader does the Church need now?