The death of Pope Francis at age 88 in the Vatican marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, triggering preparations for the conclave—a secretive and centuries-old process through which cardinals elect a new pope.
137 cardinals under the age of 80—out of a total of 252—are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave.
Most voting cardinals were appointed by Francis himself, reflecting his global and inclusive vision for the Church.
This conclave will operate with modern tools, including an online guide providing information on each candidate’s views on key issues like female deacons, LGBTQ+ blessings, and priestly celibacy.
Top Contenders (“Papabili”) to Watch:
🔸 Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy):
A Vatican diplomat respected for his international negotiation skills (Cuba, China), seen as a stabilizing and diplomatic figure.
🔸 Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines):
Charismatic and modern, Tagle could become the first Asian pope, bringing strong English-language fluency and a renewed global perspective.
🔸 Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana):
Progressive on social and environmental issues, Turkson is a strong African candidate, though sometimes controversial among conservatives.
🔸 Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary):
An intellectual and consensus-builder, Erdő is seen as a unifying option for a Church navigating internal divisions.
🔸 Cardinal Mykola Bychok (Ukraine):
A surprising but symbolic candidate, only 45 years old, known for firm opposition to Russian aggression and advocacy for refugees.
The conclave will play a decisive role in shaping the Church’s direction amid shifting global values and crises.
As the Catholic world mourns, all eyes now turn to the Sistine Chapel, where the Church’s next spiritual leader will be chosen at a time of profound international significance.
