As the Catholic Church faces a change after the death of Pope Francis, people are guessing who will be the next leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. Selecting the new pope follows a traditional and secretive process.
The College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to make their choice. This meeting will occur in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals under 80 will vote in private until a new pope is selected.
There are many potential candidates, reflecting the Church’s global reach. Among the top contenders is Luis Antonio Tagle, known as the “Asian Francis.” He is a strong candidate because of his focus on social justice and his role as the Vatican’s chief of evangelisation.
His election would be historic as the first pope from Asia, though past controversies may affect his chances.
Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is viewed as a candidate who could unite the Church and bring stability. His experience in diplomacy, including talks with China, makes him a strong choice. If elected, Parolin would return the papacy to Italy after many years.
Other notable candidates include Peter Turkson from Ghana, who advocates for social justice and environmental issues, and Peter Erdő from Hungary, who represents a conservative perspective in the Church.
The conclave is expected to start in early May 2025. This will be a key moment for the Church, shaping its future direction and how the world sees Catholicism.
As people wait for the white smoke that signals a new pope’s election, anticipation grows about who will lead the Roman Catholic Church. The new pope’s decisions will be important for the Church’s views on progressive reforms, traditional values, and its role in global matters.