The death of the Pope, which occurred Monday morning in Rome, immediately triggered a series of formal procedures that will culminate in two key events: his funeral, scheduled for this Saturday, and the conclave that will elect the next leader of the Catholic Church.
The first step after confirming the pontiff’s death was to declare the sede vacante — the period during which the papal seat is vacant — a task that falls to the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell. As the Vatican’s acting authority, Farrell is now overseeing the process that will lead to the appointment of the new successor to Saint Peter.
Two critical factors will shape the decision: the legacy left by the late Pope and the direction the Catholic Church will take in the coming years, both spiritually and in its global influence.
The new Pope will be elected by a majority vote in the conclave, attended by 135 cardinals under the age of 80, although the College of Cardinals includes a total of 252 members.
“The Church that Pope Francis leaves behind is a truly global institution, no longer centered solely in Europe,” said theologian Massimo Faggioli of Villanova University (USA) in an interview with BBC Mundo. “That’s evident in the makeup of the cardinals who will choose the next Pope: they are more numerous and far more diverse than those who elected Francis in 2013.”
The cardinals are distributed as follows: 53 from Europe, 23 from Latin America, 23 from Asia, 18 from Africa, 14 from North America, and 4 from Oceania. From this group — most of whom were appointed by Francis — will emerge the 267th Pope in the history of the Catholic Church.
Pietro Parolin | Age 70 | Italy
Parolin served as the Vatican’s Secretary of State during Francis’s papacy, effectively becoming his top adviser. With vast experience in the Roman Curia and having represented the Pope at various events during times of illness, Parolin is considered a frontrunner. A skilled diplomat, some critics say he prioritizes political strategy over doctrine, while his supporters view him as a modern and pragmatic figure.
Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle | Age 67 | Philippines
Unlike Parolin, Tagle brings decades of pastoral experience, having worked closely with Catholic communities in the Philippines, where 80% of the population practices the faith. A respected figure in and beyond Asia, he is seen as a moderate who champions social justice and migrant rights. Nicknamed the “Asian Francis,” he opposes abortion, aligning with the Church’s traditional stance on life beginning at conception.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu | Age 65 | Democratic Republic of the Congo
Archbishop of Kinshasa and a cardinal appointed by Francis, Ambongo stands out as a leading African candidate. Conservative in cultural matters, he has spoken out against same-sex marriage. In a country where Christians have faced attacks from jihadist groups, he is regarded as a staunch defender of the Church.
Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson | Age 76 | Ghana
The first cardinal from Ghana, Turkson is a prominent figure on the African continent. Though conservative on many issues, he has denounced the criminalization of homosexuality, including in his native Ghana. His name surfaced as a possible candidate in the 2013 conclave. Known for his energetic personality — and his past as a funk band guitarist — Turkson strikes a balance between tradition and openness.
Peter Erdő | Age 72 | Hungary
The current Archbishop of Budapest represents a much more conservative vision for the Church compared to recent pontificates. Admired by his European peers, Erdő has served as president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences. He has opposed same-sex marriage and the ordination of women, earning support from the Vatican’s traditionalist wing.
Matteo Maria Zuppi | Age 69 | Italy
Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Zuppi has become a rising figure in the Church thanks to his socially engaged pastoral work. Appointed cardinal in 2019 by Pope Francis, Zuppi was tasked with leading Vatican humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, especially for children affected by war. Dubbed the “Italian Francis,” he is known for his modest lifestyle and outreach to migrants. However, conservative factions oppose his candidacy, and he has faced criticism over the lack of progress in abuse investigations in the Italian Church — a factor that may cost him crucial support during the election.
