After the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic world is now looking towards the Conclave, where the new spiritual leader of more than one billion faithful will be elected. Although the election will be kept strictly secret until the “white smoke” is released, Edward Pentin, one of the most renowned Vaticanists, has identified the main “papables”, that is, the cardinals most likely to succeed Francis. Who will be the next pope?
The list reflects the ideological diversity of the Church, from progressive figures close to the legacy of Pope Francis, to conservatives opposed to his reforms. QueOnnda.com presents a profile of some of the candidates.
Most mentioned names
The next pope could come out of the following names:
Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72 years old): President of the Hungarian Episcopal Conference, traditional theologian and respected for his doctrinal formation.
He was created a cardinal by John Paul II.
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67 years old): Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
Progressive, charismatic, with a strong focus on social justice. He could be the first Asian pope.
Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76 years old): Moderate and diplomat, former head of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development.
He could become the first African pope.
Raymond Burke (USA, 76 years old): Known for his ultra-conservative stance, his closeness to Donald Trump and his frontal opposition to Francis’ reforms.
He has been critical of the Second Vatican Council, and defends the Tridentine Mass in Latin. Francis removed him from important positions in the Vatican.
The Catholic world now looks towards the Conclave
QueOnnda.com
Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69 years old): Archbishop of Bologna, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
Linked to the Sant’Egidio community, with experience in mediation and interreligious dialogue. He represents the progressive line of dialogue.
Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70 years old): Vatican Secretary of State.
Close to Francis, with extensive diplomatic experience. He is considered a pragmatic moderate with global influence.
Malcom Ranjith (Sri Lanka, 77 years old): Conservative on moral issues.
Known for his strong stance against equal marriage and his emphasis on traditional liturgy.
Willem Eijk (Netherlands, 71 years old): Archbishop of Utrecht.
He aligns himself with the theological vision of Benedict XVI and opposes openness in matters of communion for the divorced.
Relevance to Hispanics
Buzzy
The election of the next pope will directly impact Hispanic communities in the U.S., where the Catholic Church has a large presence.
Issues such as immigration, social justice, youth ministry and human rights will be influenced by the profile of the new pontiff.
For the Latino faithful, it is key that Francis’ successor continues with his approachable, humane and open to intercultural dialogue.
