Pope Francis' Successor Candidates, from Asia to Africa

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - With the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for a transition that will determine its direction in the future. As the first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis brought significant changes as Bishop of Rome, with a focus on social justice, environmental issues, and a more inclusive Church.

Now, as reported by Newsweek, the College of Cardinals is preparing to gather in the Vatican for a conclave that will shape the future of the Church. Their choice will not only appoint the next leader of 1.37 billion Catholics, but will also determine the direction of the Catholic Church's doctrine, transparency, and reach to its followers.

Will the next pope continue Pope Francis' progressive reforms, or will the cardinals revert to theological conservatism? The answer will become clear when the symbolic white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel.

Here are some cardinals who are being discussed as "papabili" to replace Pope Francis, whose death at the age of 88 was announced by the Vatican on Monday. They are listed in alphabetical order.

Influence of Pope Francis in the Election

The next pope will face a Church shaped by the appointment and reforms of Pope Francis. His tenure saw major structural changes, including the decentralization of Vatican power and the appointment of more non-European cardinals than his predecessors.

"Overall, I think the fact that, by my count, over 100 of the pope-eligible voters were appointed by Pope Francis could have a significant impact on the outcome," said Cristina Traina, a professor at Northwestern University. "Meaning, we may not be able to change Pope Francis' priorities."

However, his style of governance has also left the College of Cardinals in an uncertain position. "He appointed the majority of the cardinals who have the right to vote," said Ulrich Lehner, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame.

"But his approach to governance, characterized by unilateral decisions made without consultation with the College of Cardinals, has made it impossible to form interpersonal relationships among them."

Who Are the Leading Candidates?

As speculation mounts, several high-ranking cardinals have emerged as top candidates. According to Vatican observers, the following candidates have the strongest chances.

- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is considered a strong candidate to continue Pope Francis' progressive agenda. Tagle, an advocate for inclusion and evangelization, has significant experience in leading the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and is a trusted figure within Pope Francis' inner circle.

Tagle's Asian heritage also makes him an appealing choice, as the Catholic faith is rapidly growing on the continent, especially in the Philippines.

- Peter Turkson (Ghana)

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, is a well-known figure in the Church's social justice advocacy. As the former head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Turkson is vocal on issues such as climate change, poverty, and economic justice.

Turkson's election would mark a historical moment as the first African pope in centuries. The last African pope was Pope Gelasius, who reigned from 492 to 496 AD. Born in Rome to African parents, Gelasius was known for his extensive theological writings and strong advocacy for charity and justice for the poor.

- Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is one of the most experienced Vatican officials. In his role as the Vatican's Secretary of State since 2013, he has played a key role in diplomatic affairs, including sensitive negotiations with the governments of China and the Middle East.

Parolin is viewed as a moderate theological candidate, someone who can provide stability while upholding some of Pope Francis' reforms. His close ties to the Vatican bureaucracy make him a strong contender for those supporting continuity.

- Peter Erd (Hungary)

Cardinal Peter Erd, 72, is a prominent conservative candidate. As a respected canon lawyer, Erd has been a strong advocate of traditional Catholic teachings and doctrines. Previously, he served as the head of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences and has emphasized theological orthodoxy.

For those looking to return to the conservatism of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Erd would represent a significant departure from Pope Francis' approach.

- Angelo Scola (Italy)

Cardinal Angelo Scola, 82, has long been a candidate for the papacy. He was among the favored candidates in the 2013 conclave that ultimately elected Pope Francis. Scola, the former Archbishop of Milan, has deep theological roots and appeals to those who support a more centralized and hierarchical Church.

His traditionalist stance makes him a strong candidate for those looking to move away from Pope Francis' reforms, but his age may not work in his favor.

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