The Catholic Church prepares for one of its most decisive moments: the choice of the new Pontiff. He conclave He was summoned after the official announcement of the death of Pope Francis, Made by Camarlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell. This event has put in the center of attention to several cardinals that could assume the leadership of the Church.
The choice of successor will be a transcendental act, as it will define the course of the Church both in administrative and spiritual, and will mark the arrival of Pope number 267 in the history of the Church. The new leader must continue the direction of the Vatican in an increasingly challenging global context.
Although the Church is going through a period of grieving after the death of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, theology experts point out that it cannot remain without a guide. Therefore, the Camarlengo has declared the beginning of the period known as vacant headquartersduring which the new pontiff should be chosen through the conclave.
Currently, there are 252 cardinals worldwide, but only 138 are enabled to vote or be chosen. According to Vatican’s norms, only cardinals under 80 can participate in the process, which is carried out under strict isolation in the Sistine Chapel, according to the original meaning of the word conclave: “Under key”.
This election acquires special relevance after Francisco’s historic papacy, the first of Latin American origin and Jesuit, who gave prominence to issues considered controversial within the Church. The new Pontiff will define whether that line or marks a turn in the driving of the Holy See.
Among the names that resonate most are candidates of European and Asian origin. For now, the possibilities of a new Latin American or North American Pope are considered reduced. These are part of the names that resonate.
European cardinals towards the papacy
Europe, the cradle of most pontiffs in the history of the Catholic Church, positions itself again as a key region in papal succession. Among the cardinals who sound most to lead the Holy See, several European names stand out for their trajectory, doctrinal profile and weight within the Vatican.
Pizzaballa pierbattist
The Italian cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, is Latin patriarch of Jerusalem. He is recognized for his work with Christian minorities in the Middle East and his experience in conflict contexts. Its profile represents a midpoint between the tradition and the evangelizing mission, which positions it as a balance figure in the current scenario.
Pietro Parolin
With 70 years, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, also Italian, is the current Secretary of State of the Vatican. Considered a moderate and consensus man, it has been a key figure in Vatican diplomacy during the last decade. His closeness with Pope Francis could benefit him, although recent history indicates that this position rarely leads to the papacy.
Matteo Zuppi
Matteo Zuppi, 69, is another of the Italians with options. Known for his pastoral approach and his defense of an open church, Zuppi has maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis. He has been active in international diplomacy initiatives and peace missions, which could favorably influence the conclave.
Peter Erdö
From Hungary, Cardinal Peter Erdö, 72, represents one of the most conservative profiles among candidates. It was an influential figure in the European Church as president of the Episcopal Conference Council of Europe. Its traditional doctrinal position attracts the most orthodox sectors, although its prominence has decreased in recent years.
Cardinals candidates from Asia
In the context of papal succession, two Asian cardinals are among the names that could surprise in the next conclave. Both represent trajectories marked by pastoral commitment, social justice and a global vision that could influence the election of the new leader of the Catholic Church.
Luis Antonio Tagle
Originally from the Philippines, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has stood out for his progressive and pastoral profile. With 67 years, it has been one of the most open voices in the Church, promoting greater inclusion and sensitivity towards contemporary challenges. If chosen, it would become the first Asian Pope in history.
Tagle is considered a possible continuator of the line marked by Pope Francis. However, some analysts warn that their relative youth and limited administrative experience could play against them during the conclave process.
Charles Maung bo
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, 76 and originally from Myanmar, has a solid trajectory in contexts of violence and repression. His pastoral work and his proximity to the most vulnerable communities have given him high recognition.
Despite its age and from a country where Catholicism is minority, BO is positioned as a respected figure, symbol of commitment to social causes and the defense of human dignity amid adversity.
Prominent African cardinals for the papacy
In the last hours, the African continent has gained prominence in discussions about the succession of Pope Francis. With a growing church and increasingly influential, Africa presents figures with solid pastoral trajectories and a deep commitment to its communities.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the most recognized figures on the continent. At 65, he is president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. He has stood out for his pastoral work, his proximity to African social realities and for representing a conservative line that could gain support in the conclave.
Peter Ebere Okpaleke
With 62 years, Nigerian cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke has been recognized for his perseverance and leadership capacity against adversities in his country. Although it maintains a more conservative approach than that of Pope Francis, his pastoral profile has been valued by sectors inside and out of Africa. He was backed by Francisco himself, who defended him when his appointment was questioned locally.
Choice guided by prayer, not by favoritism
Priests and theologians agree that, although there are cardinals with outstanding profiles that are usually pointed out as “favorites”, the choice of the new Pontiff does not respond to political calculations or personal campaigns. According to the tradition of the Catholic Church, the conclave process is based on the prayer, discernment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
From this perspective, they insist that no candidate can be considered elected until the process concludes. The act of voting in the conclave is, for the cardinals, a spiritual experience in which it seeks to respond to divine will rather than human interests.