With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for a pivotal conclave to elect his successor. Among the 138 cardinal electors under the age of 80, several prominent figures are considered leading candidates. Here are five notable contenders:
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
- Age: 70
- Current Role: Vatican Secretary of State
- Profile: As the Vatican’s top diplomat, Cardinal Parolin has played key roles in international negotiations, including the 2018 Vatican-China agreement. His moderate stance and extensive experience in church governance make him a strong candidate for those seeking continuity and diplomatic acumen in the papacy.
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
- Age: 67
- Current Role: Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
- Profile: Known for his pastoral sensitivity and emphasis on social justice, Cardinal Tagle represents the growing influence of the Asian Catholic community. His election would mark the first Asian pope and signal a commitment to the Church’s global diversity.
3. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
- Age: 76
- Current Role: Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences
- Profile: A prominent voice on issues of social justice and environmental stewardship, Cardinal Turkson has been a leading figure in the Church’s engagement with global challenges. His election would be historic as the first African pope in modern times.
4. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
- Age: 72
- Current Role: Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
- Profile: A respected canon lawyer and theologian, Cardinal Erdő is viewed as a conservative voice within the Church. His leadership could appeal to those seeking a return to traditional doctrines and practices.
5. Cardinal Anders Arborelius (Sweden)
- Age: 75
- Current Role: Bishop of Stockholm
- Profile: The first Swedish Cardinal in history, Arborelius is known for his ecumenical work and bridge-building between different Christian denominations. His leadership in a predominantly Lutheran country has demonstrated his ability to maintain Catholic identity while fostering interfaith dialogue, potentially appealing to those who value unity amid diversity.
6. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Age: 64
- Current Role: Archbishop of Kinshasa
- Profile: An advocate for peace and social justice, Cardinal Ambongo has been vocal on issues affecting the African continent. His election would underscore the Church’s commitment to addressing global inequalities and expanding its presence in the Global South.
The upcoming conclave presents an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reflect on its direction and leadership in a rapidly changing world. The selection of the next pope will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Church’s future trajectory.
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