Who Will Be The Next Pope? Key Contenders & What Happens Next
Who will be the next leader of the Catholic Church? The passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has initiated a process steeped in centuries of tradition, setting the stage for a conclave that will shape the future of a global faith.
The Vatican announced on Monday, April 21st, that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. His death marks a significant moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Elected to the papacy in 2013 at the age of 76, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, led the Church for over a decade. His pontificate was marked by a focus on the poor, a more inclusive approach, and significant reforms within the Vatican. He was the 266th pope, the first from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 21, 2024, Vatican City |
| Age at Death | 88 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Pontificate | 2013 - 2024 |
| Predecessor | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Notable Achievements | First Latin American Pope, Focus on poverty and social justice, Reform of the Vatican, Promotion of interfaith dialogue |
| Previous Occupation | Worked as a bouncer |
| Reference | Vatican Biography |
The death of a pope triggers a specific sequence of events, a process unchanged for centuries. The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will now prepare for a papal conclave, a gathering in the Sistine Chapel where they will elect the new pontiff. This process, which usually takes fifteen to twenty days after the death of the pope, involves a series of prayers, discussions, and secret ballots. The cardinals, who are the electors, come from around the world and represent the global nature of the Church. During his pontificate, Francis overhauled the composition of the body that will elect his successor, making it more representative of the worldwide church.
As the world watches and the Catholic faithful pray, the question of who will succeed Pope Francis looms large. While it's impossible to predict the outcome with certainty, some cardinals are considered more likely contenders than others. The College of Cardinals, as it exists today, is the largest and most diverse in history. However, due to the infrequency of meetings, they hardly know each other, as regular consistories were suspended by Pope Francis in 2014, as noted by Pentin.
The selection process is deeply rooted in tradition, yet it is also subject to the influence of current events and the specific priorities of the cardinals involved. The cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel, and eight out of ten will share a commonality: they were all elevated to their rank by previous Popes. Its important to remember that in the last two conclaves, some vote counts were leaked, offering a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of these intensely private proceedings.
Among the potential candidates, some names are frequently mentioned in discussions. One prominent figure often cited is Cardinal Raymond Burke. A vocal critic of Pope Francis, Cardinal Burke, a former archbishop of St. Louis, is known for his conservative views on issues like marriage, contraception, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. The United States has never had a pope, and Cardinal Burke, would be a strong conservative candidate, if elected.
The role of the pope is immense, encompassing spiritual leadership, governance of the Vatican City State, and representing the Catholic Church on the global stage. The new pope will inherit not only these responsibilities but also the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a global faith in the 21st century. He will face complex issues ranging from the ongoing fallout from the sexual abuse crisis to debates over the Church's stance on climate change and social justice.
Before his death, Pope Francis underwent treatment for a complex respiratory infection, and his health had been a matter of public concern. He had been hospitalized and was subsequently discharged. Following the death of Pope Francis, the world is waiting to see who will succeed him, as the cardinals gather in Rome for the papal conclave. His passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from religious leaders, heads of state, and people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact he had on the world.
The upcoming conclave will be a time of intense scrutiny and anticipation. As cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel, the world will be watching, eager to learn who will be chosen to lead the Catholic Church into the future. The procedure is steeped in tradition. After a pope dies, an ancient and secretive process begins to elect his successor. During his pontificate, Francis overhauled the composition of the body that will elect his successor, making it more representative of the worldwide church.
The last conclave, which elected Pope Francis in 2013, followed the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who died in December 2022 at age 95, becoming the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years. The circumstances surrounding Pope Francis's death, and the subsequent conclave, will be a significant moment in modern Church history. As the cardinals prepare to choose the next pontiff, the world anticipates the next chapter in the life of the Roman Catholic Church.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only the future of the Catholic Church but also its relationship with the wider world. The new pope will be expected to address numerous contemporary issues, from the Church's handling of sexual abuse allegations to its role in promoting social justice and environmental sustainability. Pope Francis's longest papal trip was undertaken in September, to Asia, reflecting the continent's rising significance.
