Top Contenders for the New Pope: Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdo, and Piermbattista Pizzaballa

Following the passing of Pope Francis, global attention is now focused on the secretive process of selecting his successor, known as the conclave. Today (April 28, 2025), media outlets are speculating about who will lead the Roman Catholic Church next. Predicting the winner in advance is no easy task. During the last conclave in 2013, the eventual choice of Pope Francis was far from certain. With eight out of ten cardinals appointed by Pope Francis over the past decade, several names have emerged as frontrunners. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a moderate Italian figure, is considered the leading favorite due to his diplomatic skills and long tenure at the Vatican. Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo represents the conservative wing and could be Parolin’s main rival. Meanwhile, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Piermbattista Pizzaballa has gained unexpected momentum as an outsider candidate. The conclave is expected to begin officially on May 5, with voting continuing daily until a two-thirds majority is reached. Once elected, the new pope moves into the Room of Tears to don his white vestments before being introduced to the world.