Favored significantly over others now.
In the Vatican City, the political stage is set as a new Pope will be chosen in the aftermath of Pope Francis' passing. Bookmakers predict a fierce competition between a couple of contenders.
Various speculations regarding the successor began while Pope Francis was still alive. As of now, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will convene to elect the new leader. Many cardinals will be excluded due to age limitations.
- Lionel Messi shows a heartfelt tribute to the Pope
- The family of Pope Francis speaks about their emotions
With Pope Francis appointing many new cardinals from far-off lands, this conclave may likely be more open than earlier gatherings due to the lack of close relationships among the new cardinals.
The old adage goes, "He who enters the conclave as Pope, leaves as a cardinal," implying surprises could take place. Nonetheless, bookmakers overwhelmingly favor an Italian as the next Pope.
Pietro Parolin
A 70-year-old Italian from near Venice stands as the favorite going into the conclave. Pope Francis appointed Parolin as the cardinal secretary of state shortly after his election. His loyalty is beyond question, and he's been a top diplomat and doctor of canon law for over a decade.
Parolin's ambition is well-known in the Vatican - a quality that often propels careers within the Curia. In the conclave, he will play a significant role. Since the current dean and his deputy are both above the age limit, Parolin will lead the electoral assembly in the Sistine Chapel.
Luis Antonio Tagle
Another strong contender is the 67-year-old Filipino, Luis Antonio Tagle. He has been living in Rome for several years and was appointed cardinal prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples by Francis in 2019. Now the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, he plays a crucial role in the Vatican Curia.
Tagle, a potential Pope from Asia, is a promising choice for those seeking diversity in the papacy. He shares Francis' stance on the Church helping the poor and his strict opposition to abortion and contraception.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa
While the odds are slim, Italian Pierbattista Pizzaballa stands as one of the youngest contenders at 60 years old. As the Patriarch of Jerusalem, he manages one of the most challenging dioceses in the world. Despite the numerous conflicts he faces, Pizzaballa is seen as a bridge-builder in the Middle East.
Pizzaballa hails from the Franciscan order, which could either benefit him or work against him in the election.
Several other candidates are considered long shots, including Matteo Zuppi, a 69-year-old Italian who is one of the central figures in the Vatican. With extensive diplomatic skills and a substantial network, he currently serves as a special envoy working tirelessly to mediate the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Peter Erdő
The conservative Churchman, Cardinal Peter Erdő, is another "papabile" candidate. Known for his traditional stance, he has had a good relationship with Francis' predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, he has observed Francis' reform efforts with some skepticism. Among the conservatives in the College of Cardinals, hopes are high for an about-face from Francis' more progressive course, and they are counting on the Hungarian.
Erdő was appointed auxiliary bishop of Székesfehérvár in 2000, and in 2002, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and made him a cardinal in 2003. He comes from a deeply religious family. Erdő once said that his faith is the most crucial aspect of his life.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
For quite some time, there has been talk of the next Pope coming from Africa. Many eyes are on the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is considered quite conservative compared to his European and North American colleagues in the College of Cardinals. He is also one of the most important church representatives in Africa.
Besungu saw the opening for the blessing of same-sex couples, as many Africans did, as a Western cultural imposition. He was one of the most prominent critics of the declaration "Fiducia supplicans."
Raymond Burke
The 76-year-old American cardinal priest, Raymond Burke, known for voicing harsh criticisms of his predecessor, is now seen as a long shot. A committed conservative hardliner, he opposes even cautious reform attempts, such as blessings for homosexual couples. Major changes, like the abolition of celibacy or the ordination of women, are out of the question for him.
After publicly criticizing the pope, his wages were revoked. He also had to relinquish his 400-square-meter apartment in Rome. His post as cardinal patron of the Order of Malta had already been taken from him. Burke is considered someone that the White House would like to see as Pope, but his chances are considered low.
- The economic and social policy of the new Pope will be closely watched, particularly his stance on poverty and wealth distribution, given his contenders' diplomatic roles and backgrounds in canon law.
- Politics and general-news outlets have expressed that the race for the papacy could revolve around the competing ambitions of Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle, both favored by bookmakers due to their experience within the Vatican Curia.
