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LIST: Potential successors to Pope Francis
LIST: Potential successors to Pope Francis
Agence France-Presse,
Mark Demayo
Published May 05, 2025 08:30 PM PHT
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Updated May 08, 2025 02:22 PM PHT
VATICAN CITY, Holy See -- With no official campaigning or list of candidates and the election process shrouded in secrecy, speculation about who will succeed Pope Francis after the conclave beginning this week remains just that -- speculation.
VATICAN CITY, Holy See -- With no official campaigning or list of candidates and the election process shrouded in secrecy, speculation about who will succeed Pope Francis after the conclave beginning this week remains just that -- speculation.
But here are the cardinals who are among the potential favorites to succeed Pope Francis -- so-called "papabili" -- divided by region.
But here are the cardinals who are among the potential favorites to succeed Pope Francis -- so-called "papabili" -- divided by region.
EUROPE
Pietro Parolin (Italy), 70, Francis's number two at the Vatican
The Vatican's Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin leads a mass for the Movement for Life (MpV) association in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on March 8, 2025. Dimitar Dilkoff, AFP
Parolin was secretary of state -- the Vatican's effective number two -- for almost Francis's entire pontificate, and its most visible exponent on the world stage.
Parolin was secretary of state -- the Vatican's effective number two -- for almost Francis's entire pontificate, and its most visible exponent on the world stage.
Known for his calm and subtle sense of humor, the polyglot also has a fine grasp of the intricacies of the Roman Curia, the Holy See's central government, and was part of a group of cardinal advisers to Francis.
Known for his calm and subtle sense of humor, the polyglot also has a fine grasp of the intricacies of the Roman Curia, the Holy See's central government, and was part of a group of cardinal advisers to Francis.
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He is currently considered the frontrunner to become the next pope.
He is currently considered the frontrunner to become the next pope.
He played a key role in a landmark -- and controversial -- 2018 Vatican agreement with China on naming bishops.
He played a key role in a landmark -- and controversial -- 2018 Vatican agreement with China on naming bishops.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy), 60, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Pizzaballa is the top Catholic in the Middle East with an archdiocese encompassing Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Cyprus.
Pizzaballa is the top Catholic in the Middle East with an archdiocese encompassing Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Cyprus.
He was made a cardinal in September 2023, shortly before the war broke out between Israel and Hamas.
He was made a cardinal in September 2023, shortly before the war broke out between Israel and Hamas.
The Franciscan has appealed for peace from both sides, and at Christmas in 2024 led mass in both Gaza and Jerusalem.
The Franciscan has appealed for peace from both sides, and at Christmas in 2024 led mass in both Gaza and Jerusalem.
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Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy), 69, Archbishop of Bologna
Italian cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi (center L) embraces a cardinal during the Sixth Novemdiale mass at St Peter's basilica, following the funeral of the Pope and ahead of the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 1, 2025. Filippo Monteforte, AFP
A member of the Roman community of Sant'Egidio, Zuppi has for more than three decades acted as a discreet diplomat for the Vatican including serving as Pope Francis's special peace envoy for Ukraine.
A member of the Roman community of Sant'Egidio, Zuppi has for more than three decades acted as a discreet diplomat for the Vatican including serving as Pope Francis's special peace envoy for Ukraine.
Known for riding his bicycle around Bologna, Zuppi is a popular figure for his decades of work on behalf of the needy. He also advocates for welcoming migrants and gay Catholics into the Church.
Known for riding his bicycle around Bologna, Zuppi is a popular figure for his decades of work on behalf of the needy. He also advocates for welcoming migrants and gay Catholics into the Church.
He has been president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) since 2022.
He has been president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) since 2022.
Claudio Gugerotti (Italy), 69
An academic and multilingual diplomat from the Italian city of Verona, Gugerotti is an expert on the Eastern Churches.
An academic and multilingual diplomat from the Italian city of Verona, Gugerotti is an expert on the Eastern Churches.
He has served as nuncio -- or ambassador of the Holy See -- in several countries, including from 2002 in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, later in Belarus, and then from 2015 to 2020 in Ukraine.
He has served as nuncio -- or ambassador of the Holy See -- in several countries, including from 2002 in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, later in Belarus, and then from 2015 to 2020 in Ukraine.
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The author of several books, Gugerotti largely avoids commenting on controversial issues. He was named Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in 2022, and was made a cardinal in 2023.
The author of several books, Gugerotti largely avoids commenting on controversial issues. He was named Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches in 2022, and was made a cardinal in 2023.
Jean-Marc Aveline (France), 66, Archbishop of Marseille
Born in Algeria, Aveline has spent most of his life in the French port city of Marseille.
Born in Algeria, Aveline has spent most of his life in the French port city of Marseille.
Like his close friend Pope Francis, he has been a voice for welcoming migrants and promoting interreligious dialogue.
Like his close friend Pope Francis, he has been a voice for welcoming migrants and promoting interreligious dialogue.
Appreciated for his discretion, intellectual abilities and people skills, Aveline has carved out a reputation as a cardinal to watch since his elevation in 2022.
Appreciated for his discretion, intellectual abilities and people skills, Aveline has carved out a reputation as a cardinal to watch since his elevation in 2022.
Anders Arborelius (Sweden), 75, Bishop of Stockholm
Appointed in 2017 as Sweden's first cardinal, Arborelius is a convert to Catholicism in the overwhelmingly Protestant Scandinavian country, home to one of the world's most secularized societies.
Appointed in 2017 as Sweden's first cardinal, Arborelius is a convert to Catholicism in the overwhelmingly Protestant Scandinavian country, home to one of the world's most secularized societies.
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He is the first Swedish Catholic bishop since the Protestant Reformation and a staunch defender of Church doctrine, notably opposed to allowing women to be deacons or blessing same-sex couples.
He is the first Swedish Catholic bishop since the Protestant Reformation and a staunch defender of Church doctrine, notably opposed to allowing women to be deacons or blessing same-sex couples.
Like Pope Francis, Arborelius advocates welcoming migrants to Europe, including Christians, Catholics and potential converts.
Like Pope Francis, Arborelius advocates welcoming migrants to Europe, including Christians, Catholics and potential converts.
Mario Grech (Malta), 68, Bishop emeritus of Gozo
Born into a small village on the tiny Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, Grech is a peace broker and potential compromise candidate for the papacy.
Born into a small village on the tiny Mediterranean archipelago of Malta, Grech is a peace broker and potential compromise candidate for the papacy.
He was secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, a body that gathers information from local churches on crucial issues for the Church -- such as the place of women or remarried divorcees - and passes it onto the pope.
He was secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, a body that gathers information from local churches on crucial issues for the Church -- such as the place of women or remarried divorcees - and passes it onto the pope.
He had to perform a delicate balancing act, following Pope Francis's lead on creating an open, attentive Church while acknowledging the concerns of conservatives.
He had to perform a delicate balancing act, following Pope Francis's lead on creating an open, attentive Church while acknowledging the concerns of conservatives.
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Peter Erdo (Hungary), 72, Metropolitan Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungarian Peter Erdo is pictured in the major Hungarian church, the Esztergom Basilica at the beginning of Lent, occurs 40 days before Easter on February 13, 2013 during an evening mass for Ash Wednesday, in Esztergom, Hungary. Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/File
An intellectual and respected expert in canon law, Erdo speaks seven languages, has published more than 25 books and is recognized for his openness to other religions.
An intellectual and respected expert in canon law, Erdo speaks seven languages, has published more than 25 books and is recognized for his openness to other religions.
But he has faced criticism for his ties with the government of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose harsh views on migration clashed with those of the late Argentine pope.
But he has faced criticism for his ties with the government of nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose harsh views on migration clashed with those of the late Argentine pope.
Known for his enthusiasm for evangelism, Erdo -- who grew up under Communism -- is a conservative on such issues as gay marriage and divorcees who remarry.
Known for his enthusiasm for evangelism, Erdo -- who grew up under Communism -- is a conservative on such issues as gay marriage and divorcees who remarry.
Jean-Claude Hollerich, 66, Archbishop of Luxembourg
A Jesuit like Pope Francis, Hollerich spent more than 20 years in Japan, and is a specialist in European-Asian cultural relations as well as German literature.
A Jesuit like Pope Francis, Hollerich spent more than 20 years in Japan, and is a specialist in European-Asian cultural relations as well as German literature.
Firm on dogma, the theologian is still open to the need for the Church to adapt to societal changes, much like the Argentine pope he was close to and for whom he served as an adviser on the Council of Cardinals.
Firm on dogma, the theologian is still open to the need for the Church to adapt to societal changes, much like the Argentine pope he was close to and for whom he served as an adviser on the Council of Cardinals.
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Hollerich has advocated for the environment and has pushed for lay people, especially young people, to have more involvement in the Church.
Hollerich has advocated for the environment and has pushed for lay people, especially young people, to have more involvement in the Church.
ASIA
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), 67, Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of Manila
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle presides over the Christmas Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral on December 24, 2019. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle presides over the Christmas Eve Mass at the Manila Cathedral on December 24, 2019. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileTagle, Asia's frontrunner for the papacy, is a charismatic moderate who has not been afraid to criticize the Church for its shortcomings, including over the sexual abuse of minors.
Tagle, Asia's frontrunner for the papacy, is a charismatic moderate who has not been afraid to criticize the Church for its shortcomings, including over the sexual abuse of minors.
Fluent in English and active on social media, he is an eloquent speaker with self-deprecating humor and, like Francis, is a leading advocate for the poor, migrants and marginalized people.
Fluent in English and active on social media, he is an eloquent speaker with self-deprecating humor and, like Francis, is a leading advocate for the poor, migrants and marginalized people.
Nicknamed "Chito", he was made a cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2012 and had already been considered a candidate for pope in the 2013 conclave in which Francis was elected.
Nicknamed "Chito", he was made a cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2012 and had already been considered a candidate for pope in the 2013 conclave in which Francis was elected.
Charles Maung Bo (Myanmar), 76, Archbishop of Yangon
Myanmar-born Bo became the Buddhist-majority country's first and only cardinal in 2015, appointed by Pope Francis.
Myanmar-born Bo became the Buddhist-majority country's first and only cardinal in 2015, appointed by Pope Francis.
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Bo has called for dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-ridden Myanmar, and after the military coup of 2021 appealed to opposition protesters to remain non-violent.
Bo has called for dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-ridden Myanmar, and after the military coup of 2021 appealed to opposition protesters to remain non-violent.
He has defended the mainly Muslim Rohingya, calling them victims of "ethnic cleansing", and spoken out against human trafficking uprooting the lives of many young Burmese.
He has defended the mainly Muslim Rohingya, calling them victims of "ethnic cleansing", and spoken out against human trafficking uprooting the lives of many young Burmese.
He was head of the Federation of Asians Bishops' Conferences (FABC) between 2019 and 2024.
He was head of the Federation of Asians Bishops' Conferences (FABC) between 2019 and 2024.
AFRICA
Peter Turkson (Ghana), 76, Archbishop emeritus of Cape Coast
One of the Church's most influential cardinals from Africa, Turkson has for years been mentioned as a possible first black pope.
One of the Church's most influential cardinals from Africa, Turkson has for years been mentioned as a possible first black pope.
Made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, the multi-lingual Turkson has been a papal envoy and mediator, including in South Sudan.
Made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, the multi-lingual Turkson has been a papal envoy and mediator, including in South Sudan.
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He also served between 2016 and 2021 as head of a top Vatican department, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which deals with human rights and migration among other issues.
He also served between 2016 and 2021 as head of a top Vatican department, the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which deals with human rights and migration among other issues.
Born into a humble family of 10 children, Turkson has criticized anti-gay legislation in Uganda, but defends Catholic sexual morality and has denied that homosexuality is a human rights issue.
Born into a humble family of 10 children, Turkson has criticized anti-gay legislation in Uganda, but defends Catholic sexual morality and has denied that homosexuality is a human rights issue.
Robert Sarah (Guinea), 79, former prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Guinean cardinal Robert Sarah speaks during a prayer at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories in Dakar on December 4, 2023. Guy Peterson, AFP/File
Guinean cardinal Robert Sarah speaks during a prayer at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories in Dakar on December 4, 2023. Guy Peterson, AFP/FileHad Pope Francis lived a few more months, conservative prelate Robert Sarah -- who turns 80 on June 16 -- would have been too old to join the conclave or to succeed him.
Had Pope Francis lived a few more months, conservative prelate Robert Sarah -- who turns 80 on June 16 -- would have been too old to join the conclave or to succeed him.
As it is, though, he has found himself championed by conservative Catholics in the French-speaking world as a candidate to turn the clock back on progressive reforms.
As it is, though, he has found himself championed by conservative Catholics in the French-speaking world as a candidate to turn the clock back on progressive reforms.
An ardent opponent of what he in 2015 called "Western ideologies on homosexuality and abortion and Islamic fanaticism", he denounced a 2024 text that paved the way for the blessing of same-sex couples.
An ardent opponent of what he in 2015 called "Western ideologies on homosexuality and abortion and Islamic fanaticism", he denounced a 2024 text that paved the way for the blessing of same-sex couples.
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Experts believe his views make him too conservative to win a two-thirds majority at the conclave, but even a possible candidacy has boosted his profile.
Experts believe his views make him too conservative to win a two-thirds majority at the conclave, but even a possible candidacy has boosted his profile.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo), 65, Archbishop of Kinshasa
Ambongo was the only cardinal from Africa on Pope Francis's advisory council of cardinals, and is the leader of the association of African bishops, SECAM.
Ambongo was the only cardinal from Africa on Pope Francis's advisory council of cardinals, and is the leader of the association of African bishops, SECAM.
Born in 1960, the year of DRC's independence from Belgium, he has been a strong voice for peace in his conflict-ridden country -- and is outspoken in his conservative views.
Born in 1960, the year of DRC's independence from Belgium, he has been a strong voice for peace in his conflict-ridden country -- and is outspoken in his conservative views.
He notably signed a letter in January 2024 voicing opposition to the Vatican's declaration allowing priests to carry out non-liturgical blessings of same-sex unions.
He notably signed a letter in January 2024 voicing opposition to the Vatican's declaration allowing priests to carry out non-liturgical blessings of same-sex unions.
In a 2023 interview, Ambongo -- who some believe could be his continent's first pope -- proclaimed that "Africa is the future of the Church, it's obvious".
In a 2023 interview, Ambongo -- who some believe could be his continent's first pope -- proclaimed that "Africa is the future of the Church, it's obvious".
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AMERICAS
Robert Francis Prevost (United States), 69, Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo
A native of Chicago, Prevost was in 2023 appointed prefect of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which is charged with advising the pope on appointments of new bishops.
A native of Chicago, Prevost was in 2023 appointed prefect of the powerful Dicastery for Bishops, which is charged with advising the pope on appointments of new bishops.
He spent years as a missionary in Peru and is the Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in that South American country.
He spent years as a missionary in Peru and is the Archbishop-Bishop emeritus of Chiclayo in that South American country.
Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he is also the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, he is also the president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
Timothy Dolan (United States), 75, Archbishop of New York
A jovial, ruddy-faced extrovert with Irish-American roots, Dolan is a theological conservative, fiercely opposed to abortion.
A jovial, ruddy-faced extrovert with Irish-American roots, Dolan is a theological conservative, fiercely opposed to abortion.
The former archbishop of Milwaukee, he oversaw the fallout from a major sexual abuse scandal in the diocese.
The former archbishop of Milwaukee, he oversaw the fallout from a major sexual abuse scandal in the diocese.
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In New York, amid shrinking Church membership, Dolan has reached out to embrace the growing Hispanic population, which is predominantly Catholic.
In New York, amid shrinking Church membership, Dolan has reached out to embrace the growing Hispanic population, which is predominantly Catholic.
© Agence France-Presse
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