Who will be the next pope?

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to be el
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to be el

Roman Catholic cardinals will begin a secret conclave to elect the next pope on May 7, a senior Vatican source told Reuters on Monday, April 28.

Although not announced officially, the decision was made during the first closed-door meeting of cardinals since Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday, April 26.

The exercise will involve about 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world who will vote to choose the new leader of the 1.4 billion-member Church.

As the papal election approaches, speculation continues over who might emerge as the next pope. Since Pope Francis' passing, several prominent names have surfaced, each offering unique experiences and visions for the future of the Catholic Church.

Here’s a closer look at the leading contenders:

Cardinal Michael Czerny, 78

Leader of the Vatican’s Social Justice Office (Canada)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (9)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (9)

Born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Canada, Cardinal Czerny embodies global citizenship. A Jesuit like Pope Francis, Czerny has led humanitarian missions in El Salvador and Africa and played a critical role in the Vatican's response to migration crises.

Czerny's commitment to human rights positions him to likely continue Pope Francis' emphasis on social justice. However, his age—already 78—could be a significant barrier, as the Church often looks for younger leadership.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69

Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops (United States)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (8)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (8)

Cardinal Prevost's leadership of the Vatican office for bishop appointments positions him at the Church's administrative heart.

Born in Chicago but deeply connected to Latin America through his service in Peru, Prevost could bridge North and South American interests. While American cardinals historically face scepticism due to U.S. geopolitical clout, Prevost’s Latin ties could soften resistance.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69

Archbishop of Bologna (Italy)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (7)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (7)

Zuppi is widely admired for his diplomatic prowess, leading a 2023 Vatican peace mission to Ukraine and previously helping mediate Mozambique’s civil war.

His inclusive vision, especially regarding outreach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, resonates with the Franciscan model of the Church as a "field hospital." CNN notes that Zuppi’s mix of traditional diplomacy and progressive pastoral care makes him a formidable candidate.

Cardinal Gérald C. Lacroix, 67

Archbishop of Quebec (Canada)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (6)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (6)

A pragmatic leader with pastoral sensitivity, Lacroix’s strength lies in managing a highly secularised society like Quebec.

Although he faced a sexual abuse allegation from the 1980s—an accusation Vatican investigations found baseless—his candidacy could still face media scrutiny, as Vatican analysts caution.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67

Leader of the Vatican Office for Evangelisation (Philippines)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (5)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (5)

Frequently dubbed the "Asian Francis," Cardinal Tagle is seen as a charismatic and humble figure.

His deep ties to the Global South—where the Catholic Church is growing fastest—make him a particularly strong candidate. CNN and Vatican insiders regard him as a symbol of the Church's future, though critics wonder if he has enough Roman experience to consolidate Vatican support.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David, 66

Bishop of Kalookan (Philippines)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (4)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (4)

Cardinal David, known as "Ambo," is a courageous advocate for justice, having boldly criticised Philippine President Duterte’s drug war.

He leads with moral clarity aligned with Pope Francis’ vision of an inclusive Church. Analysts believe that his strong regional influence could make him Southeast Asia's first pope, should his peers rally behind him.

Cardinal Tarcisius I. Kikuchi, 66

Archbishop of Tokyo (Japan)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (3)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (3)

An anti-nuclear activist with missionary experience across Africa, Kikuchi champions a globalised, peace-focused Church.

As Vatican reports indicate, his leadership could appeal to a Catholic community increasingly diverse in culture and language.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, 66

Archbishop of Luxembourg

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (2)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (2)

A fellow Jesuit, Cardinal Hollerich, has played a key role in Vatican synods on Church reform.

Fluent in multiple languages and praised for his reformist stance, he is seen as a global figure—one who could navigate Europe’s increasingly secular environment while steering the Church through contentious debates on modernisation.

Cardinal Fridolin A. Besungu, 65

Archbishop of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (1)
As speculation intensifies around the next papal election, history reminds us- “He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”At the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Angelo Scola was widely expected to b (1)

Leading a Church of over seven million Catholics, Cardinal Ambongo is one of Africa’s most prominent religious figures.

He is a fierce defender of democracy and human rights, but remains doctrinally conservative, especially on issues like the blessing of same-sex couples. CNN experts argue that his strong African base could significantly influence the outcome if a progressive-conservative compromise is sought.

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