The Vatican on Edge After Pope Francis’s Death: These Are the Top Candidates for the Papacy

Conclave to elect a new Pope

Diverse profiles among the papabili

Francis leaves a reformist legacy

The Catholic world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff in history—a figure who profoundly shaped the Church with his humble, progressive, and reform-minded style.

His legacy has left an indelible mark, and as millions of faithful grieve, attention turns to the future: Who will be the next successor of Peter?

With the convening of a new conclave just around the corner, the cardinals of the College of Cardinals are preparing to determine the spiritual, political, and pastoral direction of the Vatican for the coming years.

While some figures have gained greater visibility due to their background, experience, or closeness to Francis, conclave outcomes are often unpredictable.

After Pope Francis’s death, these are the likely candidates to be chosen by the Conclave

#Developing –

Due to Pope Francis’s prolonged convalescence, Vatican experts have compiled this list of papabili:

Peter Erdő (Hungary, conservative)
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, liberal)
Pietro Parolin (Vatican, diplomat)
Jose Tolentino Calaca de… pic.twitter.com/43cz0eaqam

– Luis Carlos Vélez (@lcvelez) April 21, 2025

As the old Roman saying goes: “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal,” reflecting the complexity and unexpected turns of these elections.

Below are the papabili—the cardinals most frequently mentioned as possible new Popes.

Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70 years old)

Current Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is a seasoned Vatican diplomat close to Francis since his appointment in 2013.

Known for his moderate tone and skill in navigating geopolitics with prudence, he has promoted a diplomatic vision based on mercy and dialogue.

He avoids direct confrontations and supports a Church that builds bridges rather than walls, making him highly valued among moderates.

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His international experience, his role in complex agreements and his conciliatory profile position him as a serious candidate.

Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67 years old)

Charismatic, approachable, and deeply committed to social causes, Cardinal Tagle is seen by many as the natural heir to Francis’s pastoral style.

With strong support in Asia and Latin America, his election would mark a historic moment: the first Asian Pope.

Tagle has served as prefect of major Vatican departments, and his leadership of Caritas Internationalis highlights his compassionate and solidarity-driven approach.

He has spoken out on how the Church treats marginalized people.

He is remembered for criticizing exclusionary language used in the past toward divorcées, LGBTQ+ people, and single mothers.

Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69 years old)

Archbishop of Bologna and a key figure in the Sant’Egidio Community, Zuppi is one of the cardinals most aligned with Francis’s reform agenda.

With a strong record on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, his pastoral and diplomatic profile has gained traction in the Vatican.

His closeness to the poor and ability to mediate conflicts make him a consensus figure among progressives.

Appointed cardinal in 2019, he is one of the few with broad support inside and outside the Church.

Peter Erdő (Hungary, 72 years old)

Cardinal Erdő is a respected intellectual and prominent figure in the Church’s conservative wing.

Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary for over two decades, he combines academic training with firm pastoral leadership.

He has opposed progressive positions, particularly on migration and sexual morality, earning backing from traditionalist sectors.

His influence in Eastern Europe and theological background give him weight, though his rigid approach may limit appeal among reformist cardinals.

Expectation grows over the conclave to elect a new Pope

Conclave to elect a new Pope – Photo: Shuttersock

Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76 years old)

Turkson is one of the Vatican’s most recognizable faces on social justice, human development, and environmental issues.

His career includes high-ranking roles, such as head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and currently serves as chancellor of two prominent pontifical academies.

His discourse centers on human dignity, global solidarity, and proximity to the poor—representing a potential African papacy for the first time.

His name frequently comes up in discussions about increasing African representation in the Vatican, as Catholicism grows rapidly on the continent.

Willem Eijk (Netherlands, 71 years old)

Cardinal Eijk is a doctor, theologian, and one of Europe’s leading voices of doctrinal conservatism.

Currently Archbishop of Utrecht, he has been outspoken against euthanasia and other practices opposing Catholic bioethics.

His open criticism of Francis’s reforms places him in the orthodox wing of the College of Cardinals.

Eijk advocates for a Church firm in its principles, resisting modern sociocultural trends, which may attract those seeking a return to traditional values.

Papal Candidate: Raymond Leo Burke (USA, 76 years old)

A polarizing figure and symbol of the Vatican’s ultraconservative wing, Burke has been one of Francis’s most vocal critics.

Former prefect of the Church’s highest tribunal, he has staunchly opposed liberal stances on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and communion for pro-choice politicians.

His defense of traditional liturgy and strict Catholic doctrine garners admiration among conservatives but provokes resistance among reformists.

Despite his visibility, his profile could hinder his chances in a conclave leaning toward a pastoral continuation of Francis’s legacy.

Carlos Aguiar Retes (Mexico, 75 years old)

The current Archbishop Primate of Mexico is one of the leading figures of Latin American Catholicism and closely aligned with Francis’s vision.

Although he submitted his resignation in January 2025, the Pope asked him to remain in office—a gesture many interpreted as one of trust and appreciation.

Aguiar has played a key role in reorganizing the Mexican Church and representing the continent in major ecclesiastical forums.

His pastoral experience, leadership skills, and closeness to Francis make him a strong candidate among those seeking a smooth transition.

Christoph Schönborn (Austria, 80 years old)

Cardinal Schönborn is a veteran theologian who helped draft the Catechism of the Catholic Church and has had a long pastoral career as Archbishop of Vienna.

Although now retired, he remains an influential voice on social, doctrinal, and ecclesial matters.

He has advocated for a Church aware of its place in the new global order, emphasizing that Europe is no longer the heart of Catholicism.

Known for his openness to dialogue and doctrinal clarity, he remains respected, though his age may be a limiting factor.

The Conclave: A Defining Moment for the Church and Its Future Path

Photo: Shutterstock

The upcoming conclave promises to be a decisive moment for the Church, with a wide array of profiles reflecting the diversity and complexity of today’s Catholic world.

From those who would carry on Francis’s legacy to those advocating a return to stricter doctrine, the papabili embody distinct paths for the faith in the 21st century.

SOURCE: Univision