The death of Pope Francis on April 21 has plunged the Catholic Church into mourning and simultaneously opened the door to a new chapter. As tradition dictates, the Church must now begin the process of choosing a successor. While no one can predict with certainty who will become the next Bishop of Rome, speculation is mounting around a group of high-profile cardinals known informally as the papabile those seen as possible contenders for the papal seat.
These men, drawn from across the globe, reflect the diverse face of modern Catholicism. From seasoned diplomats to grassroots advocates, each brings a unique profile to the table. Below are 15 prominent figures currently seen as leading candidates for the papacy, organized by region.
EUROPE
Pietro Parolin (Italy), 70
As the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin has effectively served as the Pope’s right-hand man for most of Francis’s reign. A familiar face among world leaders and Church officials alike, he played a pivotal role in the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with China regarding bishop appointments. His influence and diplomatic pedigree make him a natural contender.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy), 60
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa oversees a region fraught with religious and political tension. Since his elevation to cardinal in 2023, he has been a visible advocate for peace amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, notably leading Christmas Masses in both Gaza and Jerusalem.
Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy), 69
Known for his diplomatic missions and bicycle rides around Bologna, Zuppi has long championed the underprivileged. As head of the Italian Episcopal Conference and the Pope’s special envoy to Ukraine, he exemplifies Francis’s vision of a Church engaged with both society and the marginalized.
Claudio Gugerotti (Italy), 69
An expert in Slavic affairs and former Vatican ambassador in countries like Ukraine and Belarus, Gugerotti now heads the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. Fluent in several languages and known for his deep understanding of Eastern Christianity, he has been a key consultant to Francis on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Jean-Marc Aveline (France), 66
Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, has become a symbol of intercultural dialogue and support for migrants central values of Pope Francis’s papacy. A native of Algeria, he has spent much of his life working with interfaith communities in southern France.
Anders Arborelius (Sweden), 75
The first cardinal from Sweden, Arborelius is a convert to Catholicism and a strong voice in favor of immigration. Despite his progressive stance on some issues, he holds firm to Church teachings on same-sex unions and the role of women in the clergy.
Mario Grech (Malta), 68
As secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, Grech is at the heart of ongoing discussions about the Church’s future. He has supported efforts to create a more listening and participatory Church, while reminding critics that the Church remains hierarchical, not democratic.
Peter Erdo (Hungary), 72
An accomplished canon lawyer and multilingual scholar, Erdo has drawn both praise and criticism for his connections to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s nationalist government. The Hungarian cardinal is a staunch traditionalist, especially on marriage and sexuality.
Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg), 67
A Jesuit and cultural bridge-builder, Hollerich spent over two decades in Japan and now serves as a key adviser to the Vatican. He champions environmental causes and greater youth involvement in the Church, while remaining firm on core doctrine.
ASIA
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), 67
One of Asia’s most recognizable Church figures, Tagle is widely admired for his warmth, humility, and media savvy. A vocal advocate for migrants and the marginalized, he has also been candid about the Church’s failings, including its handling of abuse scandals. His name has come up in multiple conclaves as a possible papal frontrunner.
Charles Maung Bo (Myanmar), 76
Cardinal Bo has been a steady voice for peace in his troubled homeland. Since the military coup of 2021, he has urged restraint and reconciliation, while defending the rights of persecuted minorities like the Rohingya. As president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, his influence stretches well beyond Myanmar.
AFRICA
Peter Turkson (Ghana), 76
Often discussed as a potential first Black pope, Turkson has said he’s not seeking the position but his stature in the Church is undeniable. A fluent speaker of six languages, he’s known for addressing global inequality at venues like the World Economic Forum and now heads two of the Vatican’s scientific and social academies.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo), 65
A current member of Pope Francis’s inner council of advisers, Ambongo is a rising star in the African Church. While deeply aligned with Francis on many social issues, he remains conservative on liturgical matters and has spoken out against blessings of same-sex couples. He has boldly declared that “Africa is the future of the Church.”
AMERICAS
Robert Francis Prevost (United States), 69
Originally from Chicago, Prevost has spent much of his career in Peru and now leads the Vatican office that selects bishops worldwide. Elevated to cardinal in 2023, he also heads the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, giving him strong ties to both North and South American clergy.
Timothy Dolan (United States), 75
The high-profile Archbishop of New York, Dolan is known for his charisma and conservative views, particularly his opposition to abortion. While he has expanded outreach to Hispanic Catholics, his leadership has also faced criticism related to handling past abuse cases in Milwaukee.
The College of Cardinals will now enter a period of reflection and prayer before gathering for a conclave to elect the next pope. While these names are among the most talked-about, surprises have happened before and in the Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit is ultimately credited with making the final call.
