Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church has entered a period of sede vacante, during which the papal seat remains vacant until a new pope is elected. The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, with thousands of mourners already paying their respects in St. Peter’s Basilica .WikipediaAP News
The Conclave: A Diverse Assembly
The College of Cardinals, comprising 133 electors under the age of 80, is preparing for the conclave to elect the next pope. This assembly is notably diverse, with cardinals hailing from 71 countries, reflecting Pope Francis’s efforts to internationalize the Church’s leadership . The conclave is expected to commence between May 6 and May 11, following the funeral proceedings .AP NewsCadena SER+1POLITICO+1Reuters+1AP News+1
Leading Contenders
Several cardinals are considered strong candidates to succeed Pope Francis:
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Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): As the Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin has extensive diplomatic experience and is seen as a moderate figure who could bridge various factions within the Church.Cadena SER+1Time+1
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Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Known for his social activism and peacemaking efforts, Zuppi represents the progressive wing and has been involved in mediating conflicts.
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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Former Archbishop of Manila and current Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Tagle is admired for his pastoral approach and alignment with Francis’s vision of a more inclusive Church .Cadena SER+2POLITICO+2Time+2
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Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo): As Archbishop of Kinshasa, Ambongo is respected for his advocacy on social justice issues and could become the first African pope in modern history .POLITICO+2Wikipedia+2Cadena SER+2
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Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg): Known for his openness to discussions on contemporary issues, including the role of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the Church, Hollerich could appeal to reform-minded cardinals.Cadena SER
The Influence of Pope Francis’s Appointments
Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 135 current cardinal electors, significantly shaping the ideological and geographical makeup of the College of Cardinals . This has led to speculation that his influence may extend to the selection of his successor. However, the conclave remains a secretive and spiritual process, with cardinals guided by prayer and conscience rather than political alignments.TimeReuters+1Time+1
Security Measures
In preparation for the conclave, the Vatican has implemented advanced security protocols to ensure confidentiality. These measures include signal jammers, surveillance systems, and restricted access to conclave areas, safeguarding the integrity of the election process .WIRED
Looking Ahead
The upcoming conclave presents an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reflect on its direction and leadership in the 21st century. Whether the cardinals choose a pope who continues Francis’s reforms or one who takes a different path, the decision will have profound implications for the global Catholic community.
