Who Will Be the Next Pope? Cardinals Prepare for Conclave

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Who Will Succeed Pope Francis? Conclave Speculation Ignites After His Death at 88

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, April 22, 2025: Following the death of Pope Francis. at age 88, the Catholic Church has entered a period of sede vacante (vacant seat). Demise of Pope Francis kicked off a global speculation firestorm about who will succeed him as the 267th pontiff.

There is no clear frontrunner as yet per experts familiar with the issue. The upcoming papal conclave within the next 20 days will see 138 cardinals at the Sistine Chapel to elect the next leader of 1.39 billion Catholics.

Experts and media outlets highlight a diverse field of papabili (papal contenders), with names like Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Zuppi in the reckoning. They all represent different ideological and geographical possibilities.

The process, steeped in centuries-old tradition, requires a two-thirds majority. The Washington Post notes, “It is set to be the largest conclave in the history of the faith and also one of the most unpredictable.” Francis left behind a College of Cardinals with diverse nominees. He chose 80 per cent of electors.

Leading Contenders

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): As Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is a top contender, seen as a moderate “continuity candidate” aligned with Francis’s diplomatic approach. The Guardian described him as “a reliable and trusted papal representative by secular diplomats”.

The UK-based daily noted his role in the controversial 2018 Vatican-China agreement on bishop appointments. The Independent quoted Parolin on geopolitics: “Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples.”

On X, @kingore91 wrote, “According to Polymarket the next pope will most likely be Pietro Parolin, Italian Cardinal, considered a moderate who opposes surrogacy and gender ideology.”

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): Tagle, a charismatic and media-savvy cardinal, could become the first Asian pope. NBC News highlighted his advocacy for the poor and theological alignment with Francis, though his ousting from Caritas Internationalis raises questions about his administrative skills.

The Guardian noted, “Tagle has suggested that the Catholic church’s stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh,” positioning him as a progressive. Historian Miles Pattenden told ABC News, “His downside is that he may be a little bit young, he’s only 67. It’s not clear that he has the right kind of administrative experience.”

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69): As Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is a progressive close to Francis. NBC News cited theology professor Massimo Faggioli: “He’s a very smart man, left of center, although ideologically speaking he is very close to the center of the church.” However, his limited Vatican experience may be a drawback, per expert Tim Gabrielli.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76): Turkson could become the first Black pope since the 5th century. Al Jazeera listed him among top contenders, noting his focus on climate, poverty, and traditional Church teachings on marriage and homosexuality. The Guardian emphasized his vocal stance on economic justice.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72): A conservative canon law expert, Erdő appeals to those favouring a return to traditionalism. Reuters highlighted his linguistic skills and his controversial stance against Francis’s migrant policies during the 2015 crisis. Newsweek suggested, “For those seeking a return to the conservatism of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Erdő would represent a major shift away from Francis’s approach.”

Experts underscore the unpredictability of the conclave. The New York Times states, “Guesses about who will be the next Roman Catholic pope often prove inaccurate. Before the selection of Pope Francis in 2013, many bookmakers had not even counted him among the front-runners.”

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