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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has entered “sede vacante,” initiating the process to elect a new pope.
A conclave, a secret meeting of eligible cardinals in the Sistine Chapel, will determine the successor.
With no clear frontrunner, attention has turned to several “papabili” – cardinals considered potential candidates. These individuals represent diverse regions and theological viewpoints.
The new pope will be chosen during a conclave, a secretive gathering of eligible cardinals within the Sistine Chapel.
The process, guided by established traditions and rituals, remains unpredictable.
According to reports from The Telegraph and CNBC, several cardinals have emerged as “papabili” those considered likely to be elected pope.
This list includes figures from various regions and theological leanings, some aligned with Pope Francis’s progressive vision and others with a more conservative approach.
Here are 10 cardinals widely discussed as potential successors:
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): A key Vatican figure with extensive roles, including President of the Catholic Biblical Federation.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): The Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, with significant influence.
Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary): Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (USA): A prominent conservative figure with a background in canon law.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Archbishop of Bologna, known for his pastoral work.
Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk (Netherlands): Archbishop of Utrecht, with a background in medicine and theology.
Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta): Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, involved in the Church’s synodal process.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Head of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences, with experience in social justice.
Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy): A seasoned theologian and former Archbishop of Milan.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
The 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide await the conclave’s decision, which will determine the next spiritual leader.