Who are the favorites to happen to Pope Francis after his death

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, more than a decade ago. Upon entering the position, he took the name of Pope Francis, and thus has led the Catholics until his last days. Even with his 88 years and several respiratory and other problems, Pope Francis worked until his last days for his brothers in the faitheven from the hospital room where he remained admitted.

By Larazon.es

His stage at the head of the Catholic Church has lasted twelve years, but Now that God has taken it with him, from the Vatican they must name a new Pope who governs the faithful. When a Pope dies or renounces, the process to choose his successor through a ‘conclave’ begins. This is a procedure that follows strict norms established in the Apostolic Constitution «Universi Dominici Gregis», promulgated by San Juan Pablo II in 1996.

POICK PROCESS PHASES

Vacant headquarters period. It begins when the Pope dies or renounces. Then, the «Camerlengo», a designated cardinal, is in charge of the administration of the Church during this time. All the functions of the Vatican are suspended except the essentials and funerals are performed, if the Pope died.

Conclave call. Cardinals under 80 years meet, who are the only ones with the right to vote. Usually, the number of voters are around 120. This meeting is held in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Voting in the conclave. Up to four daily votes are made (two in the morning and two in the afternoon). To be elected, a candidate needs a two -thirds majority of the camera. After each vote, the result is burned and, depending on the color of the smoke that comes out, it is known if they have reached a consensus. The ‘black smoke’ means that there is no agreement, and the target that there is already a new Pope.

Acceptance and proclamation of the new Pope. The chosen one is consulted with the question «Do you accept your canonical choice as Supreme Pontiff?» If you accept, choose a papal name, and is presented on the balcony of the Basilica of San Pedro with the famous phrase «Habemus Papam.»

Who are the favorites to happen to Pope Francis after his death

Although there is no definitive way of predicting who will be chosen in the next conclave, several cardinals emerge as favorites in the complex network of power balances within the Church. These are profiles of each of the names that have sounded the most in recent times as possible future potatoes.

1. Pietro Parolin

Cardinal Italian Pietro Parolin, 69, is the current Secretary of State of the Vatican. It is one of the most influential figures within the Roman curia and one of the most mentioned names as a possible successor of Francisco. Since 2013, it has been the main architect of Vatican foreign policy, managing matters of great delicacy, such as the agreement with China on the designation of bishops and diplomatic relations with different governments.

Parolin represents an institutional stability option, with a balanced vision between tradition and reform. Although he is a man of the curia with great knowledge of the mechanisms of the Vatican, Your most bureaucratic and reserved profile may not generate the necessary enthusiasm Inside the Cardenalicio College.

2. Matteo Zuppi

Another name that resonates strongly is that of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, 68. With a close pastoral style and a strong commitment to the most disadvantaged, Zuppi has actively worked on mediation initiatives in international conflicts, collaborating with the Sant’Egidio community.

His profile reminds that of Pope Francis, is accessible, with a direct language and a constant concern for social problems. This makes it an attractive option for those who want continuity in the pastoral line of the current Pontiff. However, his scarce experience in the curia could play against him against other more institutionalist candidates.

3. Luis Antonio Tagle

If the Church seeks to reflect its global growth, especially in Asia, Cardinal Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is presented as an outstanding option. As a prefect of Dicastery for the evangelization and former archbishop of Manila, Tagle has been described as an «Asian Francisco» for his charisma, closeness with people and communicative capacity.

His career has granted him notoriety in the international arena and has the sympathy of Pope Francis. However, its relative youth within the Cardinal College and its lack of experience in the curia could represent obstacles in a process where internal balances have a determining weight.

4. Robert Sarah

At the other end of the ideological spectrum is found Cardinal Robert Sarah, 78, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and one of the main exponents of the most traditionalist sector of the Church. Of Guinean originSarah has been a firm defender of classical doctrine and a critic of some of the reforms promoted by Pope Francis.

His choice would be a turn to a more conservative church, with a revaluation of the traditional liturgy and a more rigid posture in doctrinal matters. However, their polarizing profile and lack of support in the most moderate sectors of the Cardinal College could make access to the papacy.

5. Peter Turksson

One of the names that has gained strength in recent years is that of Cardinal Ghanés Peter Turksson, 76, former prefect of Dicastery for Integral Human Development. Throughout his career, he has worked on key issues such as social justice, the environment and interreligious dialogue, aligning in many aspects with the vision of Pope Francis.

Turkson combines a solid theological formation with a pragmatic approach to the current church challenges. His leadership in social issues and his African origin, at a time when Catholicism is growing strongly on that continent, could play in their favor. However, his departure from Dicastery in 2021 generated some doubts about his management capacity within the curia.

6. Christophe Pierre

Another name that has begun to gain visibility is that of the French Cardinal Christophe Pierre, 79, current Apostolic Nuncio in the United States. His diplomatic experience and his ability to tend bridges between different currents within the Church make him a solid credential candidate.

Pierre has worked at key moments for the American church, especially in the management of tensions with critical sectors of Pope Francis. His pragmatic profile and his knowledge of the geopolitical balances of the Church give him a certain attraction Within the Cardinal College, although his lack of experience in an important diocese could subtract support.