5 Cardinals Likely To Succeed Pope Francis

One of 5 Cardinals is in the waiting to step in as successor to Pope Francis, who just transited, aged 88. Find here the list of the 5 cardinals, for which the papal conclave will soon convene and elect a new pope.

1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, is seen in this screen grab reading Pope Francis’ speech for the inauguration of the Faith Pavilion at COP28, the U.N. Climate Change Conference, Dec. 3, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (CNS photo/screen grab, YouTube, COP28 UAE Official)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who hails from Italy is a strong contender for the office of the Pope, being the most senior Cardinal. Aged 70, he has been the Vatican’s Secretary of State 2013, the most senior official within.

Closer watchers of the Vatican say he has a diplomatic acumen and balanced theological stance, often steering clear of the Church’s internal ideological divides.

Parolin has represented the Church in critical geopolitical matters and continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy. Recently, he underscored the need for inclusive peace strategies, warning against “unilateral impositions” that neglect the rights of peoples.

His experience and moderate tone make him a strong contender — one with both Vatican and global gravitas.

2. Cardinal Peter Erdö (Hungary)

Another strong contender to the office of Pope of the global Catholic community is 72 year old, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdö.

He has a number of qualities going for him, and these includes:

1. Being former President of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe.
2. Opposition to divorced and remarried Catholics to receive holy Communion,
3. Strong opposition to the refugee crisis afflicting regions of the world.

In fact, many see him as the real archetype of the Pope for the Catholic Faith, with diligent adherence to its conservative principles.

In terms of learning, he is an expert in canonical laws, and a strong inspiration to the conservative bloc within the fold.

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3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Cardinal Zuppi, is famous for amongst others, his stance that forgiveness and justice are the path to peace

He is President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, and regarded as leading protégé of Pope Francis. He is 69-year-old Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has gained recognition for his peacemaking efforts and socially conscious outlook. He currently serves as President of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Zuppi has  been involved in peace diplomacies on the behalf of the late Pope, an example being in the team that helped negotiate the end of Mozambique’s civil war which not only was claiming lives but remained a negative reference in the region.

In fact, he was named Francis’ peace envoy for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and has always been seen as a Pope Francis’ favourite from the time he was made a cardinal in 2019.

The above make him a strong contender for the office of the Pope.

4. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (United States)

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke attends a news conference by the conservative Catholic group “Voice of the Family” in Rome, on October 15, 2015. Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

A stark contrast to many on this list, American Cardinal Raymond Burke is often considered the standard-bearer for traditionalist Catholicism. Aged 76, Burke was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI and is known for openly criticizing Pope Francis’s reforms.

He has taken hardline stances against Communion for pro-choice politicians and those in non-traditional marriages, and has resisted shifts in Church language around contraception and civil unions. Though polarizing, Burke appeals to conservative factions within the Church who seek a doctrinal course correction.

5. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Cardinal Tagle, 67, is believed to be of the reformist order in the Papacy. This flows from his very accommodating views and consideration for groups which by the tradition and orthodoxy of Catholicism have become outlaws.

He is the one who tagged along the tradition of the late Francis, when it came to touchy doctrinal issues.  Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle  is currently, the Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelisation, Tagle was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.

Tagle has publicly criticised the Church’s past treatment of marginalised groups, including gay people and single mothers. His Asian heritage and pastoral approach could mark a historic shift, as he would be the first pope from the Philippines — or any Asian country.