Pope's Demise Lasts for a Day; Cardinals Craft Initial Alliances
Ready to dive into the upcoming papal conclave? Let's break it down.
With the impending vote, 135 cardinals from across the globe are gearing up for the event, hailing from 65 countries and spanning five continents. This diverse representation symbolizes the internationalization of the Catholic Church under the late Pope Francis, who appointed more than 160 cardinals during his twelve-year reign.
About 80% of the papal electors were appointed by Francis himself, significantly transforming the College of Cardinals to be less Eurocentric and more global in its orientation. Interestingly, 23 of the current cardinals were appointed by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, while only five were appointed by Pope John Paul II.
The distribution of cardinals by continent:
- Europe: Despite holding the largest proportion, the number of European cardinals has diminished over time. In the 2023 conclave, Europe has 53 cardinals[4].
- Asia: The number of cardinals from Asia has risen, reflecting the expanding Catholic population in the region[4].
- Africa: The continent continues to have a substantial representation, mirroring the growth of the Catholic Church in Africa.
- Americas: Both North and South America have a considerable number of cardinals, representing a significant global presence.
- Oceania: Although the smallest in number, the continent still contributes to the global representation.
The future Pope could come from any of these continents. Here are a few notable names:
- In Europe, the Cardinal of Stockholm, Anders Arborelius, a convert from Lutheranism, is sometimes mentioned as a potential candidate. Another contender is Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille, known for his closeness to the people.
- From Africa, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has been discussed as a possible candidate. He is a conservative cardinal compared to his European and North American colleagues.
- In the Americas, Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, is a strong contender, followed by the Archbishop of Newark, Joseph W. Tobin, who has faced criticism from US President Trump for his stance on migrants.
- The first Pope from Asia could potentially be Luis Antonio Tagle, a former Archbishop of Manila, known for his strong advocacy for the poor and against abortion and contraception.
The conclave could see surprising alliances and power shifts as the cardinals work together to elect the successor to the late Pope Francis. Keep an eye on the news as we approach the event!
In the upcoming papal conclave, the diverse group of cardinals, representing 65 countries and five continents, may lead to possible political shifts within the internationalized Catholic Church. As the event approaches, general news outlets may report on potential alliances and power shifts as the cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, work together to elect the successor to the late Pope.
