Who Will Be Next Pope? Top Cardinals Emerge as Contenders

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Who Will Be Next Pope? Top Cardinals Emerge as Contenders/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ With the death of Pope Francis, attention turns to the College of Cardinals and the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. While the process is secretive and spiritual, several leading contenders have emerged with diverse backgrounds and theological leanings. From Italy to Asia and Africa, these are the names shaping speculation.

FILE – President of Caritas Internationalis Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle makes a point during a press conference announcing the launch of a campaign on the plight of migrants to counteract mounting anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S., Europe and beyond, at the Vatican press center, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

Leading Papal Contenders – Quick Looks

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican’s Secretary of State, top diplomatic contender.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Progressive “street priest” and peace envoy.
Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines): Evangelist with strong Asian and Vatican ties.
Cardinal Robert Prevost (U.S.): American with deep Latin American experience.
Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary): Esteemed European with broad ecclesial reach.
Cardinal Reinhard Marx (Germany): Reform advocate, financial oversight expert.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada): Conservative with global episcopal experience.
Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea): Liturgical conservative and favorite among traditionalists.
Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn (Austria): Theological authority with reformist support.

FILE – Cardinal Peter Erdo officiates the Easter Vigil ceremony at the St Stephen’s Basilica of Budapest for Easter Vigil services on Saturday, April 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)

Deep Look: Which Cardinals Could Be the Next Pope?

VATICAN CITY — The death of Pope Francis marks the beginning of the conclave, the sacred, secretive process by which the College of Cardinals selects the next head of the Roman Catholic Church. While the decision is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, Vatican watchers have long debated who the strongest contenders — or papabile — might be.

Only cardinals under age 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave. The overwhelming majority of electors were appointed by Francis, suggesting they may seek continuity in priorities such as pastoral outreach, synodality, and global engagement. Here are the most talked-about potential successors:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, Age 70)

As Secretary of State, Parolin is the Vatican’s top diplomat and a leading insider. He played a key role in the Holy See’s controversial agreement with China over bishop appointments and has extensive global experience. While seen as a stabilizing force, Parolin’s indirect link to the Vatican’s London financial scandal and lack of pastoral background may weaken his case.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, Age 69)

The Archbishop of Bologna and president of Italy’s bishops’ conference, Zuppi represents the “Francis mold.” Known for working among the poor and advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion, he also led Vatican efforts for peace in Ukraine. His progressive leanings and Sant’Egidio connections make him a favorite among reformers.

Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines, Age 67)

Tagle is widely considered a Francis favorite. Formerly Archbishop of Manila, he now heads the Vatican’s evangelization office, overseeing churches across Asia and Africa. With Chinese ancestry and emotional, people-centered homilies, Tagle symbolizes the Church’s growing shift toward the Global South. His relative youth may deter cardinals seeking a shorter papacy.

Cardinal Robert Prevost (U.S., Age 69)

Born in Chicago but seasoned in Peru, Prevost leads the dicastery that appoints bishops globally — one of the most influential roles in the Vatican. His deep ties to Latin America and reputation as a pastoral bridge-builder could position him well. However, an American pope may face geopolitical skepticism.

Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, Age 72)

Erdo, a theologian and Archbishop of Budapest, has wide support in Europe. He’s worked closely with both African and European bishops and helped organize major Vatican synods. Though not a flashy reformer, his intellectual and diplomatic strength makes him a steady, consensus-building option.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx (Germany, Age 71)

Marx has long been a leading voice for reform, particularly during Germany’s Synodal Path. He served as Francis’ financial adviser and led initiatives around clerical abuse and church accountability. Loved by some and mistrusted by conservatives, he brings progressive credibility with significant controversy.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada, Age 80)

Ouellet was a Benedict XVI appointee who nonetheless worked closely under Francis, leading the Vatican’s bishop appointment office. With strong ties to Latin America, he blends conservative doctrine with Francis-style pastoralism. However, his age and potential past connections to internal abuse cases could be liabilities.

Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, Age 79)

A conservative stalwart, Sarah is admired for his liturgical rigor and vocal defense of traditional teachings. He clashed publicly with Francis, especially over priestly celibacy, and his critics argue he’s too divisive. Still, Sarah remains the top African contender, representing a continent with a fast-growing Catholic population.