Madrid, Spain.- After the Death of Pope Francis This April 21, the Catholic Church faces one of the most significant processes in its recent history: the choice of a new pontiff. Even without a defined date for the start of the conclave, the Vatican prepares to gather the 135 cardinals with the right to vote, who will have the task of choosing the next spiritual leader of more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
The composition of the Cardinal College reflects the globalization of the Church: they come from 71 different countries and 108 of the voters were appointed by Francisco himself. This configuration could influence the choice of a pastoral profile and sensitive to contemporary challenges, in line with the legacy of the Argentine pontiff.
One of the most prominent names is that of the Cardinal Matteo ZuppiArchbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. 69, ZUPPI is widely respected for his work close to the most vulnerable and his diplomatic role in international conflicts. It was key in the peace negotiations in Mozambique and recently acted as a special envoy of the Vatican to promote humanitarian dialogue in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Your profile combines pastoral experience, social sensitivity and mediation capacity.
Another weight candidate is Cardinal Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle67 years, current pro-prefect of the Dicasteria for evangelization. His career in Asia, his communicative capacity and his proximity to the faithful make him a figure with great international projection. In addition, his choice would mark a historical milestone, being the first Pope of Asian origin in modern times.
The cardinal also includes among the favorites Pietro Parolin70 years, Secretary of State of the Vatican. His extensive diplomatic career and his deep knowledge of the Roman curia give him an outstanding position in the choice process. It is considered an institutional continuity figure, capable of guaranteeing stability in times of change.
From Africa, the names of Peter Turksson (Ghana, 76 years) and Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79 years old), both with extensive experience within the Vatican. Turkson has been an outstanding voice in social and environmental justice issues, while Sarah has had a strong liturgical and doctrinal influence.
Other possible candidates are the Hungarian Péter Erdőarchbishop of Budapest; The Spanish Juan José OmellaArchbishop of Barcelona and close collaborator of Francisco; Luxembourg Jean-Claude HollerichSynod’s rapporteur over synodality; and the French Jean-Marc AvelineArchbishop of Marseille, with a consolidated academic and pastoral profile.
Although there is no indisputable favorite, the next conclave promises to be diverse and open. The choice of the new Pope will be key to defining the direction that Catholicism will take in the coming decades.
