With the world still mourning the passing of Pope Francis, preparations are now underway for the election of his successor. The beloved pontiff, who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death on Easter Monday, April 21, will be laid to rest this Saturday in a funeral expected to draw millions in-person and online.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a fierce advocate for the poor and marginalized, leaves behind a 12-year legacy marked by humility, reform, and global outreach.
His visits—like the one to Nairobi in 2025, where he celebrated Mass and met with interfaith leaders—cemented his reputation as the “People’s Pope.”
As the Church prepares to say a final goodbye, attention now shifts to the process of choosing the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
The Road to the Next Pontiff
By tradition, the College of Cardinals—currently numbering 135 electors under the age of 80—will enter a conclave in early to mid-May.
The exact date will be confirmed shortly after Francis’ funeral. Held in secrecy within the Sistine Chapel, the conclave follows centuries of tradition, with the belief that the Holy Spirit guides the cardinals’ vote.
Though any baptized Catholic male is eligible, the next pope will almost certainly be chosen from among the cardinals. Nine names have emerged as frontrunners, each representing different regions and visions for the Church’s future.
Leading Contenders to Watch
Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, 72)
A respected canon lawyer and archbishop of Budapest, Erdo is seen as a traditionalist who appeals across ideological lines. He supports dialogue with Orthodox Christians and offers a balanced stance on migration—an important issue in his home country.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (DR Congo, 65)
Known for his outspoken defense of Catholic moral teaching and criticism of political corruption, Ambongo led African bishops in rejecting the Vatican’s 2023 guidance on blessing same-sex couples. He’s also a vocal advocate for the poor and marginalized.
Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta, 68)
As Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has been central to efforts to make the Church more inclusive and participatory. Though from one of the world’s smallest nations, his influence is widely felt within the Vatican.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70)
The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat and considered a moderate with a global vision. His election could bring stability and unity, continuing many of Francis’ priorities while smoothing over internal divisions.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem, 60)
Currently Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa is admired for his humility and his efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue in conflict zones. He’s aligned with Francis’ pastoral style and commitment to the marginalized.
Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines, 67)
Often called the “Asian Francis,” Tagle is known for his compassion and missionary zeal. A champion of the poor and inclusive of marginalized groups, his election would signal continuity with Francis’ reformist agenda.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69)
President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and known for his peace diplomacy in Ukraine and beyond, Zuppi is progressive on issues like LGBTQ inclusion and interfaith cooperation. He’s viewed as someone who could lead a Church that listens.
Cardinal Anders Arborelius (Sweden, 75)
The first cardinal from Scandinavia and a convert from Lutheranism, Arborelius is a strong environmental advocate with conservative views on gender and sexuality. He has called for compassion and integration in response to immigration in Europe.
Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix (Canada, 67)
The archbishop of Quebec and former missionary in Colombia, Lacroix returned to active ministry after being cleared of sexual abuse allegations. He’s known for his pastoral touch and international experience.
What’s Next
While the funeral of Pope Francis will be a moment of global reflection, the Church is already quietly preparing for the future. Behind the ornate walls of the Vatican, discussions and discernment have begun.
The next pope will inherit not only the legacy of Francis, but the responsibility of leading a deeply diverse Church facing challenges of modernization, cultural tension, and renewed calls for reform.
Whoever steps into the role will help shape the spiritual, social, and political course of Catholicism for years to come.
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