Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has entered the sede vacante period—Latin for “the seat being vacant”—signaling the start of the papal conclave to elect a new pope.
Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing at the age of 88, left behind a legacy of reform, simplicity, and deep global influence. Now, eyes are on the Vatican as eligible cardinals prepare to choose the 267th pontiff.
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According to global media, including The Telegraph and CNBC, several prominent Catholic cardinals—referred to as papabili—are being closely watched as possible successors. Here are 10 top contenders from various regions and theological leanings:
1. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
A prominent African voice in the Vatican, Cardinal Turkson has championed justice, peace, and climate action. He previously led the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and now heads the Pontifical Academies of Sciences.
2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
Progressive and pastoral, Zuppi has been the Archbishop of Bologna since 2015. Known for his work in peacebuilding and synod reforms, he is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’ inclusive vision.
3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Hailed as the “Asian Francis,” Tagle is widely loved for his humility and spiritual depth. As Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, he’s among the most prominent Asian cardinals in Rome.
4. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (USA)
One of the most conservative figures in the Church, Cardinal Burke is known for his firm stance on doctrine and liturgical tradition. He’s a former head of the Apostolic Signatura and a strong voice for traditional Catholics.
5. Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta)
Currently, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech, is deeply involved in promoting synodality and participatory governance in the Church. He is a respected figure in Catholic reform circles.
6. Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy)
Though retired, Scola remains influential as a theologian and philosopher. He served as Archbishop of Milan and Patriarch of Venice, and is still seen as a thoughtful candidate by traditional scholars.
7. Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk (Netherlands)
A former medical doctor and moral theologian, Eijk is a vocal advocate for traditional bioethics. As Archbishop of Utrecht, he has consistently defended Church teachings in the modern age.
8. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Jerusalem)
As Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa brings a unique experience in Middle Eastern diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. He is known for calm leadership during regional conflicts.
9. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
Often called the Vatican’s top diplomat, Parolin has been the Secretary of State since 2013. His political and administrative experience makes him a leading insider candidate in the conclave.
10. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
Serving as Primate of Hungary and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest since 2003, Erdő is a conservative intellectual and respected canon law expert, especially in European Catholic circles.
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As 1.3 billion Catholics around the world mourn the passing of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the 2025 conclave and the future direction of the Catholic Church. Will the next pope carry forward Francis’ progressive legacy or shift the Church in a new direction?
Stay updated with Naija Blog Daily for all the breaking news on the next pope, the papal conclave, and developments in the global Catholic Church.
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