After Pope Francis: A Look at the Top Contenders to Become the Next Pope
The Catholic world is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, a pontiff who reshaped the global perception of the Church with humility, reformist ideals, and a voice for the marginalized. As millions grieve the loss of the spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics, attention now shifts to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, where the conclave of Cardinals will soon meet to elect a new pope.
The papal conclave, a tradition dating back to 1271, remains one of the most solemn and secretive events in Christendom. Locked behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel, the College of Cardinals—those under the age of 80—will vote in secrecy until a new Bishop of Rome is chosen. To be elected, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority. If after 30 ballots no consensus emerges, a simple majority may suffice, depending on the conclave’s decision.
As speculation swirls around possible successors, several names have emerged as frontrunners. While none of these men have publicly campaigned, their theological positions, diplomatic experience, and geographical representation have placed them in the spotlight. Here are the key contenders who could become the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
1. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, Age 76)
If elected, Cardinal Peter Turkson would become the first black pope in modern history and a powerful symbol of the Church’s commitment to Africa—home to one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations. Born in Ghana, Turkson served as the Archbishop of Cape Coast before being appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to lead the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Pope Francis later entrusted him with leadership in the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Turkson is widely seen as a moderate who bridges conservative African traditions and the progressive spirit of the Vatican. On contentious topics like same-sex relationships, Turkson has said African cultural perspectives must be respected, though he has also spoken against draconian anti-gay laws in some African countries. In 2013, he was considered a serious contender before Francis was ultimately chosen.
A fluent speaker of multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, and Fante, Turkson’s global appeal and history of Vatican service make him a credible frontrunner.
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, Age 67)
Affectionately known as the “Asian Francis,” Cardinal Tagle is often described as charismatic, humble, and pastorally minded. A theologian with deep roots in Asia—the continent with the fastest-growing Catholic population—Tagle currently serves as the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. He was also formerly the Archbishop of Manila, a position of enormous religious and cultural importance.
Tagle has a reputation for being media-savvy and emotionally resonant, often delivering homilies that connect deeply with both clergy and laity. He has also advocated for a more compassionate and inclusive Church, calling for greater empathy toward divorced and LGBTQ+ Catholics.
His critics, however, point to his perceived lack of administrative toughness and political maneuvering skills, which some argue are necessary in the highly complex Vatican bureaucracy. Still, his election would signal continuity with Francis’ progressive ethos and make him the first Asian pope in history.
3. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, Age 70)
Cardinal Parolin is the current Vatican Secretary of State and arguably the most powerful man in the Holy See’s diplomatic apparatus. He is often viewed as a “continuity candidate” and the most institutional figure among the contenders.
Parolin’s experience is extensive: he’s served as the papal nuncio (ambassador) to Venezuela and played key roles in sensitive negotiations, including the controversial 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China regarding the appointment of bishops. Critics say this deal compromised too much, giving Beijing too much influence over church affairs.
While he leans conservative on social issues—having once described Ireland’s legalization of same-sex marriage as a “defeat for humanity”—he is not as doctrinaire as some traditionalists. Parolin’s deep understanding of Vatican diplomacy could make him a consensus candidate if the conclave is divided between more radical reformers and staunch conservatives.
4. Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, Age 72)
The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Cardinal Peter Erdo, is the leading Catholic figure in Hungary and one of Europe’s most respected canon lawyers. His conservative theological stance and experience leading the Hungarian Church under difficult political environments could make him appealing to those wanting a return to traditionalist values.
Erdo has opposed proposals to allow divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the Eucharist and has spoken forcefully about preserving the Church’s doctrinal purity in the face of secularization.
A Pope Erdo would signify a return to the papacies of John Paul II or Benedict XVI—firmly grounded in orthodoxy, protective of Europe’s Christian identity, and skeptical of the progressive theological agenda advanced during the Francis years.
5. Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonça (Portugal, Age 59)
The youngest among the top contenders, Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça brings a fresh perspective to the papacy. A poet and biblical scholar, he currently serves as the Vatican’s Archivist and Librarian. His writings often explore the intersections between faith, culture, literature, and the arts.
He has urged theologians and church leaders to engage with modernity by understanding contemporary literature, cinema, and music—a stance that has endeared him to younger Catholics and intellectuals alike.
Though not widely known among lay Catholics, Tolentino represents a possible “dark horse” candidate—someone whose intellectual appeal and potential to connect with disillusioned youth may sway the conclave in his favor.
6. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, Age 69)
A long-time ally of Pope Francis, Cardinal Zuppi currently serves as the Archbishop of Bologna and was appointed as the Vatican’s peace envoy to Ukraine in 2023. He is a member of the Sant’Egidio Community, a lay Catholic group known for its peacemaking efforts in Africa and the Balkans.
Zuppi’s social justice credentials and Francis-like pastoral approach make him an appealing candidate for those wishing to maintain the progressive momentum of the current pontificate. He has visited Russia in a symbolic peace mission and met with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, reflecting his commitment to interfaith diplomacy.
While some say he lacks the administrative muscle to tackle Vatican bureaucracy, others believe his global perspective and compassion-driven ethos could be a unifying force.
7. Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta, Age 68)
A native of Gozo, Cardinal Grech currently serves as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops—a body that has grown in importance under Francis. He is viewed as a pragmatic centrist who understands the need to balance tradition and inclusion.
Grech has called for the Church to “learn a new language” in its dealings with gay couples and the divorced, indicating a preference for pastoral sensitivity over doctrinal rigidity. His election would signify a continuation of synodality, a concept Francis championed to emphasize decentralization and greater participation in Church governance.
His understated leadership style and strong theological grounding make him a possible compromise candidate.
8. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, Age 79)
A prominent African cardinal and former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Cardinal Robert Sarah is a fierce advocate of Catholic orthodoxy. He has been a vocal critic of what he calls the “moral relativism” in modern society and the Church’s drift toward liberalization.
Sarah’s writings are widely read in conservative circles, and he is deeply respected among clergy who seek a return to a more reverent liturgy and stricter doctrinal adherence. However, his age and confrontational style may work against him.
Nonetheless, for Cardinals seeking a clear break from Francis’ reformist policies, Sarah may represent a line in the sand—a return to theological and liturgical discipline.
Factors That Could Influence the Next Election
Several key dynamics will shape the outcome of the conclave:
Geography: With the growth of the Church in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, there is increasing pressure to elect a pope from the Global South.
Theological Orientation: The College of Cardinals is sharply divided between reformists and traditionalists. A candidate’s views on marriage, gender, sexuality, and interfaith dialogue will weigh heavily.
Administrative Competence: After years of financial scandals and bureaucratic inefficiencies, the next pope will be expected to bring managerial clarity to the Curia.
Diplomatic Savvy: With global tensions rising, particularly with China and Russia, diplomatic skill is becoming more important than ever.
Conclusion: A Church at a Crossroads
As the world watches smoke rise from the Sistine Chapel, the Catholic Church stands at a historic crossroads. Pope Francis’ legacy is one of compassion, reform, and social consciousness. His successor will inherit a Church grappling with clerical abuse scandals, political polarization, declining attendance in the West, and surging growth in the Global South.
Whether the Cardinals choose a shepherd in the mold of Francis or pivot toward conservatism, the next pope will profoundly shape the future of Catholicism in the 21st century.
The conclave may last days or even weeks, but when the white smoke finally billows and the Latin words “Habemus Papam” are proclaimed, the world will welcome a new leader—not just of a Church, but of a faith tradition that spans centuries, continents, and generations.
Contenders to replace Pope Francis after his de@th at 88 revealed
Following the de@th of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the world is now waiting to see who will succeed him, as the Cardinals gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave.
A papal conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened to elect a bishop of Rome, also known as the pope.
The conclave, which will last for 15-20 days after the pope’s death, will begin with a celebration of mass, after which deliberations and voting begins. Votes are taken each day, morning and afternoon, until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority. There is a day’s break for prayer and reflection after every seven ballots. If there is no conclusive result after 30 ballots, a candidate will be elected on a simple majority
Here are the top contenders to become the next Supreme Pontiff, according to Mail Online.
Peter Turkson, 76
The former Bishop of the Cape Coast, would be the first black Pope and would have the appeal of reaching out to Africa. Born in Ghana, he was sent by Pope Francis as a peace envoy to South Sudan. He occupies the middle ground on the tricky subject of gay relationships, arguing that laws in many African countries are too harsh but that the views of Africans on the subject must be respected. Turkson was the bookies’ favourite at one point during the 2013 conclave, when Francis was chosen.
Luis Antonio Tagle, 67
Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, has emerged as the frontrunner in the betting markets. He would have the appeal of being the first Asian Pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. He has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines but would be considered one of the more liberal candidates. He has complained that the Catholic church has been too harsh towards gay and divorced couples, and that this has hampered its evangelical work.
Pietro Parolin, 70
He is the closest to a ‘continuity candidate’, having worked with Pope Francis as Cardinal Secretary of State. He is seen as a moderate, though not as close to the liberal wing as Francis has sometimes appeared to be. When Ireland voted in 2015 to legalise same sex marriage, Parolin described it as ‘a defeat for humanity’. In recent times, Parolin’s star has fallen a little thanks to his being the architect of the 2018 agreement between the Holy See and China, which some regard as a sell-out to the Chinese Communist Party.
Peter Erdo, 72
The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest would be the second Pope, after John Paul II, to have administered in the former Soviet bloc, when church leaders were often persecuted. He campaigned for his predecessor Jozsef Minszenty to be exonerated after being arrested for opposing Hungary‘s communist regime. Erdo is a deep conservative who has spoken against divorced or remarried Catholics receiving holy
Jose Tolentino, 59
He has served as an Archbishop as well as held down a number of Vatican roles. As the – relative – youth candidate, he has advocated that biblical scholars engage with the modern world by watching films and listening to music.
Matteo Zuppi, 69
Zuppi has been Archbishop of Bologna since 2015 and was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. Two years ago, the Pope made him the Vatican peace envoy for Ukraine, in which capacity he visited Moscow to ‘encourage gestures of humanity’. While he didn’t have an audience with Putin, he did meet the president’s controversial ally Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, but with little diplomatic progress to show for his efforts.
Mario Grech, 68
Maltese Grech, and has previously served as the Bishop of Gozo and is now the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. He has called for the church to ‘learn a new language’ when dealing with gay couples and divorcees, although is also seen as something of a traditionalist.
Robert Sarah, 79
Born in French Guinea, Sarah is another possibility as the first black pope – although age is not on his side. He has been working in Vatican positions since the time of John Paul II. A conservative, he has denounced gender ideology as a threat to society. He has also spoken out against Islamic fundamentalism.
