Following the death of Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, speculation has begun regarding his potential successor. Among the possible candidates are cardinals from various regions of the world, representing a broad range of theological and geopolitical perspectives, reports the Baltimore Chronicle.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, who currently serves as the Vatican Secretary of State, is seen as a moderate candidate who could ensure continuity with Francis’s policies. However, his involvement in a controversial agreement with China has drawn criticism.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, once viewed as a progressive successor, has recently lost some of his support.
Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, known for his focus on poverty alleviation and environmental protection, could become the first Black pope in several centuries.
Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary represents conservative values and has opposed Francis’s stance on migration.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, who worked closely with Francis and undertook peace missions in Ukraine, is considered a progressive candidate.
Other potential contenders include Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça of Portugal, known for his cultural openness.
Cardinal Mario Grech of Malta, whose views have shifted from traditional to progressive.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who initiated humanitarian efforts during the Gaza conflict.
Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, known for his conservative views and criticism of Francis’s reforms.
While predicting the outcome of the conclave is difficult, this list of candidates reflects the ideological and regional diversity of the global Catholic Church.
Earlier we wrote that Pope Francis dies at age 88 after prolonged illness.