Pope Francis’ death on Monday started off a series of traditions that culminates in a vote for his successor. Here are some of the possible candidates to be the next pope.
Pope Francis’ death on Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, started off a series of traditions that in a few weeks will culminate in a vote for the next pope.
After Pope Francis is laid to rest, his successor will be decided by the Catholic Church’s Cardinal Electors, a group of about 135 cardinals under the age of 80, who are expected to begin their conclave in early to mid-May to hold a secretive election for the next pontiff.
Over the last 600 years — since 1378 — cardinals have been chosen for the position, although eligibility technically extends to any male Roman Catholic who has been baptized.
Here is look at some of the cardinals considered possible contenders to become pope:Cardinal Peter Erdo, archbishop of Budapest, Hungary
Cardinal Peter Erdo, a 72-year-old canon lawyer, is the highest ranking Catholic leader in a country that is 80% Christian. He is known for his support of the pope’s outreach to Orthodox Christians.
Erdo is also on the conservative side of the European cultural divide. On migration, a key issue for Hungary, he has conveyed a balanced approach, recognizing the right to migrate but also the importance of ensuring political stability.
Erdo is considered a traditionalist but is also respected by liberals, which could make him a unifying force within the church. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, grew global attention for leading African bishops in unanimous rejection of « Fiducia Supplicans », a declaration the Vatican issued in 2023 that included guidelines on the blessings of people in same-sex relationships.
