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Tengrinews.kz – Following the passing of Pope Francis, speculation is mounting over who will succeed him as head of the Roman Catholic Church. While the outcome of the papal conclave remains impossible to predict, several names have already emerged as frontrunners, according to The Guardian and Italian newspaper La Stampa.
The election of a new pope will take place behind closed doors in a process steeped in secrecy and tradition. Often, cardinals seek to influence the outcome by backing favored candidates or blocking rivals. In 2013, few had predicted the election of Jorge Mario Bergoglio - who became Pope Francis.
Among the most frequently mentioned contenders:
- Pietro Parolin (70, Italy): Currently the Vatican’s Secretary of State and considered one of the most likely successors. A skilled diplomat, Parolin played a key role in talks with China and the Middle East. He is viewed as a moderate figure capable of continuing the Church’s openness but has faced criticism for his pragmatism.
- Luis Antonio Tagle (67, Philippines): A potential first Asian pope, once close to Francis, though his influence has waned. Known for his inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals and divorcees, though he remains opposed to abortion.
- Peter Turkson (76, Ghana): Could become the first Black pope in centuries. A vocal advocate for social justice and anti-corruption, while maintaining conservative positions on marriage and priesthood.
- Peter Erdo (72, Hungary): A conservative favorite and staunch traditionalist. He has criticized Pope Francis' approach to migration and opposed the idea of churches sheltering migrants.
- Matteo Zuppi (69, Italy): A progressive cardinal close to Francis. Involved in peace talks over Ukraine and known for his outreach to marginalized groups. Likely to continue Francis’ reformist path.
- Jose Tolentino de Mendonca (59, Portugal): One of the youngest candidates, with liberal views and a strong cultural orientation. Close to Francis, but seen as controversial within the Church hierarchy.
- Mario Grech (68, Malta): Once a traditionalist, now a supporter of reforms. Advocates for expanded roles for women in the Church and has spoken out against European policies limiting migrant rescue NGOs.
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa (60, Italy): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Respected for his diplomacy, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gained global attention when he offered himself as a hostage in exchange for children held in Gaza in 2023.
- Robert Sarah (79, Guinea): A vocal conservative and former critic of Francis. He opposes what he calls “gender ideology” and Islamic fundamentalism. Like Turkson, he could become the first Black pope in modern times.
What happens next?
With the pope’s death officially confirmed on April 21, the Vatican enters a nine-day mourning period known as novemdiales, marked by daily Masses and prayers. The Camerlengo, the cardinal who oversees Church affairs during the interregnum, has confirmed the death and will break the 'Fisherman's Ring' to prevent forgery.
No one holds papal authority during this time. Within 15 to 20 days, the College of Cardinals will gather in Rome to begin the conclave - a secretive process to elect the new pope.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died at age 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta. He served as pontiff from 2013 until his death, becoming the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
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He was hospitalized in February 2025 with pneumonia and kidney issues. Although he briefly appeared in public in April, his health remained fragile.
