In the Catholic Church, all eyes are turned to the College of Cardinals that will elect the Pope.

24.04.2025 12:13

After the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics and the Head of State of the Vatican, on April 21, the attention of the Catholic Church has turned to the College of Cardinals, which will elect the next Pope. As the world focuses on the election scheduled for May 6-10, five names, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, are emerging as frontrunners for the papacy.

After the death of the spiritual leader of Catholics and the President of the Vatican City, Pope Francis, on April 21, the eyes of the Catholic Church turned to the College of Cardinals that will elect the next Pope. Before the Papal Election (Conclave), striking information emerged, particularly regarding the distribution of the electing Cardinals in the College of Cardinals by continent.

"NUMBER OF ELECTING CARDINALS 135"

Among the cardinals, who are the most important clergy in the Catholic Church after the Pope, those under the age of 80 will choose a name from among themselves as the Pope, according to tradition and customs. According to official Vatican data, there are currently 252 cardinals. Of these, the number eligible to participate in the Papal Election was 136 at the beginning of April, but the number of electing cardinals has decreased to 135 because Indian Cardinal George Alencherry turned 80 on April 19, two days before Pope Francis's death.

WHICH CONTINENT WILL THE NEXT LEADER COME FROM?

One of these 135 cardinals will become the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church when they receive the votes of 90 cardinals, which is two-thirds of the Conclave. Among the 135 electing cardinals, Europe stands out with 59 cardinals. Following Europe are Asia and North America with 20 cardinals each, South America with 17 cardinals, Africa with 16 cardinals, and Oceania with 3 cardinals. This situation in the College of Cardinals indicates a competition among the continents. For example, the last Pope Francis was the first Pope elected from the American continent in history, while the question of which continent the next leader of Catholics will come from continues to be a matter of curiosity. Another important detail highlighted in the data is related to which Pope's term the current cardinals were appointed. Pope Francis, who passed away at the beginning of the week, appointed a total of 10 cardinals during his 12-year papacy, the last of which was in December 2024. Originally from Argentina, Pope Francis led to a less Europe-centric and more heterogeneous structure of the College of Cardinals with his cardinal appointments.

THE CONCLAVE WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 6 TO 10

The names that Pope Francis appointed as cardinals make up a large majority in the College of Cardinals that will elect his successor. According to Vatican data, there are 108 cardinals appointed by Pope Francis in the College of Cardinals. From the previous two predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI appointed 22 cardinals, and Pope John Paul II appointed 5 cardinals, who will participate in the College of Cardinals that will convene in May. This situation in the College of Cardinals strengthens the possibility that Pope Francis's successor will also align with his line. Additionally, comments indicate that the Conclave process in which Pope Francis was elected in 2013 highlighted the significant differences in the steps he took in the Church's management compared to his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. The biggest question remains whether a Pope with a more different and innovative approach like Pope Francis will be elected in this Conclave or a name from the conservative wing of the Church. The election of a conservative figure would mean a break from Pope Francis's line.

The first session of the Conclave, which will take place from May 6 to 10, coinciding with the end of the 9-day mourning period that will begin after Pope Francis's funeral and burial on Saturday, April 26, is expected to be held in the famous Sistine Chapel of the Vatican. The top 5 candidates are as follows:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Age: 70

Position: Vatican Secretary of State (Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Notable Features: Parolin stands out for his diplomatic skills and played a significant role in the rapprochement between the US and Cuba. His character reflects a search for balance domestically and peace in foreign relations. He is known to be committed to traditional values but is also seen as a moderate reformist.

Reputation: Described as the 'pragmatic brain' of the Vatican.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Age: 67

Position: Head of the Vatican's Migrants Office, former Archbishop of Manila

Notable Features: Known as "the Francis of Asia." He is recognized for his emotional rhetoric, humility, and strong connections with young people. He is active in issues of migrant rights and social justice.

Vision: He could represent the growing influence of the Catholic Church in the global south.

Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)

Age: 79

Position: Former President of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

Notable Features: Known for his strict conservative views. He is recognized for opposing some of Pope Francis's reforms and advocates for the preservation of Latin liturgies.

Support: He has strong support among conservative Catholic circles in Europe.