Pope Francis: Who Will Be His Successor? The Leading Candidates and the Upcoming Conclave in Early May

Sixteen days after his passing, the Conclave to elect a new Pope can be convened, with the earliest date being May 6 and no later than May 12, 2025. Cardinals have already begun consultations, though they maintain strict confidentiality regarding who might succeed Pope Francis. During the sessions leading up to the white smoke, three factions will be represented: the so-called Francis faction, the moderates, and the conservatives. A long process is anticipated. According to RAI reports, 44.4% of voting cardinals align closely with Pope Francis’s policies. Moderates account for nearly 37%, while conservatives represent 18.8%. Over 20 cardinals are informally recognized as papabile (potential candidates), but 12 stand out prominently. Among them are Pietro Parolin, an Italian known for his diplomatic skills; Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle from the Philippines, praised for his pastoral experience; Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Congo, a cultural conservative; Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson from Ghana, a potential first African pope in 1,500 years; and others like Reinhard Marx from Germany and Robert Prevost from the USA. Despite their strengths, factors such as age, past controversies, or alignment with different factions could influence their chances. The conclave promises intrigue and uncertainty as the Catholic Church looks to its future.