Following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Catholic Church now faces the crucial task of selecting its next spiritual leader. The Pope, who assumed the papacy in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, had been battling double pneumonia before his death. His absence has prompted global discussions about who may step into the revered role.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis had been suffering from “bilateral pneumonia,” a condition affecting both lungs, which created a “complex picture” of health complications during his stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
In the coming days, the Vatican will initiate the process of choosing a new pontiff through a conclave. This gathering, composed of cardinals from around the world, is tasked with electing the next head of the Catholic Church. As of January 2025, there are 138 eligible electors among the 252 cardinals—only those under the age of 80 are allowed to cast a vote, as reported by The Independent.
The selection involves a series of confidential voting rounds, and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be declared pope. The process typically spans between 15 and 20 days, with intense speculation on who will be chosen to lead the global Catholic community.
Five Cardinals Considered Strong Contenders
Several senior figures within the Church are being mentioned as possible successors. These cardinals bring distinct theological perspectives, regional influences, and leadership styles that could shape the next phase of the papacy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Currently serving as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin, 70, is one of the most senior and experienced figures in the Church hierarchy. Regarded as a moderate with strong diplomatic credentials, he has been involved in delicate international negotiations.
“Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples,” Parolin stated.
Cardinal Peter Erdö
The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, 72-year-old Cardinal Erdö is known for his conservative theological outlook. A staunch defender of traditional Catholic doctrine, he has been vocal on matters like marriage and sacramental integrity.
“We cannot allow the sacraments to be treated with disrespect. Marriage is indissoluble, and the church must protect its sacred teachings,” Erdö has said.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
At 67, Cardinal Tagle is widely seen as a reform-minded voice within the Church. Based in the Philippines, he has emphasized inclusion, particularly in relation to LGBT individuals and those marginalized by traditional doctrine.
“The harsh words that were used in the past to refer to gays and divorced and separated people… led to their isolation from wider society,” Tagle said.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
A close ally of the late pope, Cardinal Zuppi, 69, is known for his peacemaking efforts and advocacy for greater compassion within the Church. As president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, he has played roles in international diplomacy, including efforts toward peace in Ukraine.
“We need to encourage dialogue and understanding between the Church and the LGBT community,” Zuppi wrote in 2018.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke
A traditionalist voice within the Church, Cardinal Burke, 74, is known for his firm opposition to liberal shifts within Catholic doctrine during Pope Francis’s tenure. He has frequently criticized changes related to family, sexuality, and sacramental access.
“Catholic politicians who support legalised ab0rtion should not receive the Eucharist,” Burke has stated.
