BREAKING NEWS: 10 Cardinals Who Might Succeed Pope Francis

 

 

Following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has officially entered a period known as sede vacantea Latin phrase meaning “the seat is vacant.” This marks the beginning of the ancient and solemn process of selecting a new pope, a procedure steeped in tradition and conducted with strict secrecy.

According to reports from PUNCH on Sunday, April 21, the late Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, led from 2013 until his death at the age of 88. With no definitive successor, speculation has intensified around several high-ranking cardinals who are considered potential candidates to lead the Church’s 1.3 billion faithful worldwide.

The next pope will be chosen during a conclave a confidential assembly of eligible cardinals held within the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Governed by centuries-old rituals, the conclave continues until one candidate receives the necessary two-thirds majority vote. According to reports from international outlets, a number of influential cardinals, known as papabili (those considered capable of becoming pope), are being discussed as possible successors. These figures reflect a wide spectrum of theological orientations and geographic backgrounds, ranging from progressive allies of Pope Francis to more conservative voices within the Church.

Here are ten cardinals widely mentioned as likely contenders:

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): A key figure in the Roman Curia, he serves as President of the Catholic Biblical Federation and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Currently the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin has been a close advisor to the late pope and a member of the Council of Cardinals since 2014.

Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary): The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary, Erdő has held his post since 2003.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (USA): Known for his strong conservative stance, Burke previously served as Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s highest judicial authority.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Archbishop of Bologna and a prominent advocate for social justice, Zuppi is seen as aligned with Pope Francis’ pastoral priorities.

Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk (Netherlands): A former physician and theologian, Eijk has been the Archbishop of Utrecht since 2007.

Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta): As Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has played a leading role in the Church’s global consultation efforts.

 

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Currently overseeing the Pontifical Academies of Sciences, Turkson is known for his work on global development and social justice.

Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy): A respected theologian, Scola previously led the archdioceses of Milan and Venice.

 

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy): The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 2020, Pizzaballa brings experience from one of the Church’s most historically significant regions.

As the Church navigates this solemn transition, Catholics around the world now look toward the conclave with prayerful anticipation, awaiting the election of a new leader to guide the Church into its next chapter.