The Passing of Pope Francis: April 21, 2025
List of Possible Contenders for the Succession of the Late Pope Francis: 15 Candidates
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old pontiff, tragically passed away at Domus Sanctae Marthae, Vatican City, on April 21, 2025. His demise concluded a 12-year papacy known for its emphasis on humility, social justice, and Church reform efforts. His funeral Mass took place in St. Peter's Square on April 26, 2025, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and was attended by numerous dignitaries and faithful from across the globe. Papal remains were laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, as per his wish, marking the first instance since 1903 of a pope interred outside Vatican City.
Gathering of the College of Cardinals: May 7, 2025
Preceding the funeral, our website reports that the College of Cardinals is slated to assemble on May 7, 2025, for the election of the new pope in the Sistine Chapel. Necessarily, 133 cardinal electors under the age of 80 will participate in the process, focusing on prayer, contemplation, and voting until a candidate achieves a two-thirds majority.
Key Contenders for the Papal Throne
Several candidates have emerged as leading contenders ahead of the conclave. While no formal campaigning is allowed, the following individuals have drawn attention as potential popes:
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Recognized for his progressive perspectives and pastoral empathy, actively supporting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and migrants. Criticism regarding administrative difficulties and handling of abuse allegations remains a concern.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Diplomatically adept and experienced with considerable Vatican expertise, instrumental in the 2018 Vatican-China agreement. Criticized due to past decisions and allegations of concessions to the Chinese government.
Both candidates are under scrutiny for their roles in the handling of clerical abuse cases, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the Church.
Europe's Potential Successors
With 15 cardinals identified as "papabile," region-based categories have emerged. Among Europe's leading candidates are:
- Pietro Parolin (Italy): Serving as the Vatican's Secretary of State for much of Francis's papacy, garnering a prominent global presence, and currently viewed as the leading candidate to succeed as pope.
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy): Overseeing the Middle East as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Named a cardinal in September 2023, became a vital figure since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Officiated mass in both Gaza and Jerusalem during Christmas 2024.
- Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy): Archbishop of Bologna known for extensive efforts on behalf of the underprivileged and championing LGBTQ+ and migrant Catholics within the Church. President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) since 2022.
- Claudio Gugerotti (Italy): Multi-lingual academic and diplomat with expertise on Eastern Churches. Named Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in 2022 and cardinal in 2023. Known for avoiding controversial issues.
- Jean-Marc Aveline (France): Born in Algeria, hailing from Marseille. Known for discretion, intellectual abilities, and people skills. Carved out a reputation as a cardinal to watch since his elevation in 2022.
- Anders Arborelius (Sweden): Sweden's first cardinal, appointed in 2017, staunch Catholic defender, opposed to allowing women to be deacons or blessing same-sex couples. Advocates welcoming migrants to Europe.
- Mario Grech (Malta): Born in a small Maltese village, a potential compromise candidate. Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, performed a delicate balancing act between progressives and conservatives.
- Peter Erdo (Hungary): A distinguished canon law expert, fluent in seven languages, and acknowledged for his receptiveness to diverse faiths. However, he has faced backlash due to associations with Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
- Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg): Jesuit, advocate for the environment, and champion of laypeople's involvement in the Church. Single-handedly encouraged young people's involvement.
Onward to the Conclave
With the election process shrouded in secrecy, speculation remains rife regarding the successor of Pope Francis following the commencement of the conclave this week. Though concrete predictions prove elusive, these contenders represent compelling choices for the papal seat. The world watches with bated breath in anticipation of the impending decision.
In the context of the impending papal election following Pope Francis's demise, several notable figures have emerged as key contenders from across the globe. In Africa, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines is known for his progressive perspectives and pastoral empathy, advocating for marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ individuals and migrants, while criticism remains concerning his administrative difficulties and handling of abuse allegations. Europe boasts a dozen potential successors, including Pietro Parolin, currently serving as the Vatican's Secretary of State, and a frontrunner for the papacy, and Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, recognized for his efforts on behalf of the underprivileged and support of LGBTQ+ and migrant Catholics. The EFCC, Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, and the Senate, House of Representatives, or PDP (People's Democratic Party) may find keen interest in the papal election outcome due to potential implications for Nigeria's religious and moral leadership, as well as future finances of the Church in Nigeria. Furthermore, business leaders and pastors across Nigeria's various churches could come to view this election as a barometer for the Church's direction in matters of social justice, humility, and Church reform, principles that have been central under Pope Francis's leadership.
