Who Will Be Pope Francis's Successor? Key Candidates & Next Steps
Who will lead the Catholic Church after Pope Francis? The selection process for the next pontiff is already underway, with speculation intensifying following the announcement of Pope Francis's death on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, attention immediately shifts to the momentous task of choosing his successor. While the rules are clear any Roman Catholic man is technically eligible to become the Pope the reality of the situation points to a much smaller, more specific group of potential candidates: the Cardinals. Within 20 days of the Pope's death, a conclave will convene, composed of cardinal electors under the age of 80, to cast their secret ballots. This conclave, a gathering shrouded in tradition and secrecy, will determine the next leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.
| Candidate | Information | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Raymond Burke |
| Vatican Biography |
| Cardinal Pietro Parolin |
| Vatican Biography |
| Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle |
| Vatican Biography |
| Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost |
| Vatican - Pope Francis elevated 21 new Cardinals |
| Cardinal Marc Ouellet |
| Vatican Biography |
| Cardinal Matteo Zuppi |
| Vatican - Pope Francis elevated 21 new Cardinals |
| Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu |
| Vatican Biography |
| Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard |
| Vatican Biography |
Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, had faced health challenges in recent months, including double pneumonia. His passing has triggered a wave of reflection on his papacy and speculation about the future direction of the Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed his death in a statement released on Monday morning.
The field of potential successors is vast, yet certain figures emerge as frontrunners. The cardinals, the "princes of the Church," are the ones who will decide who will lead the Catholic Church next. As the College of Cardinals stands at 253 members, with 120 under the age of 80 eligible to vote in the conclave, the selection process is set to be a complex one.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, a prominent conservative voice, is one such figure. A former Archbishop of St. Louis, Burke has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis, opposing reforms regarding marriage, contraception, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, Burke's stance reflects a traditionalist perspective within the Church.
The changing of the guard in the Vatican is a long process. Pope Francis was elected at the age of 76, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. The current Pope's health concerns have underscored the importance of succession planning within the Church. Pope Francis's death has accelerated these discussions.
One of the considerations that will undoubtedly influence the choice of the next Pope is the composition of the College of Cardinals itself. Under Pope Francis, the college has become larger and more diverse. However, it has also been noted that the Cardinals may not know each other well. This could impact how the conclave unfolds.
The preparations for Pope Francis's death had been in place for a while, and the process of electing his successor has begun, but the ultimate decision rests with the cardinal electors. Each vote in the conclave is a step towards determining the future of the Catholic Church.
As the Church prepares for the election of the next pontiff, the world watches with anticipation. The selection of the next Pope will shape the direction of the Catholic Church for decades to come. The conclave will be the focal point of attention for the coming weeks, with each ballot cast and each discussion held shaping the future of the Church.
