Last Monday, the day after Easter, Pope Francis sadly passed at 88 from a stroke and heart failure. What follows is a process titled conclave, where 135 cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to vote and elect the next Pope.
The conclave will start on May 7, 16 days after Francis’ passing, as cardinals around the world under 80 are sequestered at the Vatican until the new Pope is elected.
The Pope must be elected with a ⅔ majority vote, and when the Pope is chosen, white smoke will come out of the Sistine Chapel. If the conclave hasn’t made a decision, black smoke will be released, and millions of Catholics groan in anticipation of the new Holy Father.
Here are the five frontrunners who are likely to be in the running for the position of the Holy Father:
Pietro Parolin (Italy, 74)
Parolin was Pope Francis’ second-in-command as the Cardinal Secretary of State of the Vatican–a reason he is among the favorites to be the next Holy Father. He would be the most moderate candidate, as he has values that align with Francis but holds some traditional Catholic views that oppose the former Pope. Parolin’s work has been centered around international relations, as he has been credited with strengthening the church’s relationships with China and Vietnam. However, the second-in-command hasn’t been elected as Pope since 1939, so history is against Parolin’s favor.
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67)
Tagle has been known as the “Asian Pope Francis” due to his close relationship with Pope Francis and his lenient stance on divorce and same-sex relationships. Due to his progressive stance, Tagle has condemned greed and sin, while constantly advocating for peace and kindness. Tagle has also helped spread Catholicism throughout Asia–one of the fastest-growing Catholic populations. Tagle would be the first Asian Pope and mark a change in Catholic diversity, and could also spread Catholicism in Asia even more.
Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76)
Turkson was originally appointed in 2003 as a cardinal under Pope John Paul II, and two Popes later, Turkson is a top candidate. Like Pope Francis, he has been vocal on climate change, economic justice, and poverty. He has often spoken out against the corruption and human rights issues in Africa, where there has not been an African Pope since 496 AD (Pope Gelasius). His integration as Pope would further increase the number of Catholics in the Global South–especially Africa, as he has been a prominent figure for the Catholic revolution in Africa today. Turkson’s age may hold him back, as some cardinals may think that 76 is too old for a starting Pope and want to steer in a younger direction.
Peter Erdö (Hungary, 72)
Erdo has been serving as the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest since 2003, and is the only candidate on this list who actively spoke against Pope Francis. Erdö would mark a return to conservatism for the Catholic Church, with his values matching those of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. He has spoken out against communion for divorced Catholics and homosexuals, while also supporting strict migrant policies. These traditional Catholic values would represent a shift from Francis’ all-loving attitude and may create an even bigger divide between traditional and progressive Catholics.
Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69)
The Archbishop of Bologna aligned with Pope Francis more than any candidate, with his fight for peace and social justice. Zuppi’s primary focus has been helping the poor and helping refugees–the opposite of Erdö. Zuppi has worked profusely with Francis over the years, and some have theorized that Francis wanted Zuppi to succeed him as Pope. He would be one of the most progressive choices for Pope as he opts for humility and is known for his pastoral approach towards teaching Catholicism.
Bo’s Pick for Pope: Luis Antonio Tagle, Phillipines
