The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis on Monday morning died at the age 88, the Vatican camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, had announced in a statement.
Following the Pope’s death, there have been speculations about who will become the next head of the Catholic Church as several cardinals have emerged as potential successors, representing a range of ideologies, geographies, and visions for the Church’s future.
Below are some key candidates vying to become the next leader of the Catholic church
Peter Turkson (76)
Turkson, who was born in Ghana, was a prominent candidate during the 2013 papal conclave.
He would be the first Black Pope, if elected. Turkson is known for his moderate views on social issues and has criticized the harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa, while also defending local cultural perspectives.
Luis Antonio Tagle (67)
Tangle is viewed as a liberal candidate and a quite a favourite among Catholics.
The former Archbishop of Manila has on countlessly basis advocated for the Church to be more compassionate toward gay and divorced individuals. Tagle would be the first Asian Pope if elected.
Pietro Parolin (70)
Parolin, who is currently the Vatican’s Secretary of State has faced criticism for his role in the controversial 2018 Vatican-China agreement and for calling same-sex marriage a “defeat for humanity.”
He is however seen as a continuity candidate.
Peter Erdo (72)
Erdo, a staunch conservative from Hungary, has stood against granting communion to divorced and remarried Catholics. He would be the second Pope from the former Eastern Bloc if elected.
Jose Tolentino de Mendonça (59)
Known as the youngest in the leading candidate, Tolentino has held several positions within the Vatican and advocates for modern engagement, encouraging scholars to interact with contemporary culture.
Robert Sarah (79)
The conservative former prefect from French Guinea has long held key roles in the Vatican. Although he could potentially become the first Black Pope, his age and hardline views, including denouncing gender ideology, may hinder his candidacy.
Matteo Zuppi (69)
The Archbishop of Bologna, Zuppi has served as the Vatican’s peace envoy to Ukraine. Appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, he is viewed as a compassionate, peace-oriented candidate.
From Malta, Grech has supported Pope Francis’s efforts to make the Church more inclusive. He has encouraged the Church to adopt more welcoming language toward LGBTQ+ individuals and divorcees.