Following Pope Francis’ death on Monday, April 21, speculation is swirling about who will lead the Catholic Church next. News outlets across the globe are sharing their predictions, but the decision remains shrouded in secrecy.
Cardinals are arriving at the Vatican as preparations begin for Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26. The Vatican is also gearing up for the sacred and secretive process of selecting the new pope.
However, no one really knows who the next pope will be until white smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel.
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The contenders
One prominent name is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. The 70-year-old former ambassador to Venezuela is seen as a continuation of Francis’ legacy, despite being Italian.
Another contender is Cardinal Luis Tagle, 67, from the Philippines. The BBC reports that 80% of the population is Catholic. Tagle is considered a more liberal-leaning choice.
The New York Times points to Cardinal Péter Erdö, 72, from Hungary. He is an expert on canon law. His selection would signify a return to the conservatism of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, 69, from Italy, stands out among those reflecting Francis’ views on supporting the poor.
With its Catholic population growing, Fox News spoke to analysts who said the next pope should be from Africa. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, who serves as archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a leading contender. Pope Francis named Ambongo to his core group of cardinal advisers in 2019.
Archbishop Stephen Brislin, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference, noted a strong connection between Africans and Pope Francis, stating, “We feel that we were very close to Pope Francis and feel that he loved us as well.”
American pope?
Two Americans have appeared on multiple lists. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the New York archbishop, shared memories of the pope, describing him as “a real father.” Archbishop Raymond Burke, 76, formerly led the Archdiocese of St. Louis and held various roles in church governance. Burke, appointed to the College of Cardinals in 2010, lost titles under Francis due to his conservatism.
However, the election of either American is unlikely, as the church typically avoids selecting individuals from current superpowers.
The College of Cardinals has 15 days to choose a successor once the conclave begins.
