As the Catholic world continues to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, preparations are underway for one of the Church’s most sacred and secretive processes; the election of a new pope.
Cardinals from across the globe are set to enter the Sistine Chapel for the conclave, where they will select the next pontiff to lead over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
While the conclave is guided by divine inspiration and cloaked in secrecy, several prominent figures have already emerged as top contenders to succeed Pope Francis, each reflecting different visions for the future of the Church.
Among the frontrunners is Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France, a 66-year-old Archbishop of Marseille who was elevated to cardinal in 2022. Known for his theological depth and pastoral sensitivity, Aveline aligns closely with Pope Francis’ moderate ideology.
He is viewed as a continuity candidate, especially admired for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and inclusivity.
Peter Erdo, 71, of Hungary: He is a leading conservative voice in the Church. As the Archbishop of Budapest and a former head of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences, Erdo has built a reputation for his firm stance against same-sex unions and his emphasis on doctrinal purity.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, 70, brings with him vast diplomatic experience as the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Having played a central role in the Holy See’s international relations, including the controversial Vatican-China agreement, Parolin represents a balance of pragmatism and loyalty to Francis’ vision.
From the Global South, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the “Asian Francis,”; is seen as a charismatic and humble leader. At 67, the former Archbishop of Manila and current pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization is noted for his compassion and reform-minded tone.
In Canada, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, 80, still commands respect within the Vatican. Despite his age, his long-standing experience and conservative doctrine keep him in the conversation as a papal contender.
Italy’s Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, has become a favorite among progressives. As Archbishop of Bologna and head of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is known for his grassroots pastoral style, social justice advocacy, and openness to blessing same-sex couples.
Africa’s growing influence in the Church is represented by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Congo. At 65, the Archbishop of Kinshasa and a key member of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals, Ambongo champions social justice but has taken a conservative stance on same-sex unions.
Another African candidate, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, 79, is favored by traditionalists. A former head of the Congregation for Divine Worship, he is an outspoken critic of modern liberalism and Western secularism. His election would signal a strong return to orthodoxy.
Rounding out the list is Cardinal Mario Grech of Malta, 68, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops. Once a conservative, Grech has become more moderate in recent years, expressing openness to women deacons and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Pope Francis’ successor will inherit a Church deeply divided between tradition and reform, with declining attendance in the West and growing dynamism in the Global South.
As the cardinals prepare to cloister themselves within the walls of the Vatican, one question looms: What kind of pope does the Church need now?
