12 most likely candidates for next pope

Speculations about candidates for the new spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics in the world have already begun. Who are the main candidates?

Candidates to succeed Papa Francisescu come from all continents. Those with the best odds come from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe.

The pope is selected in a secret and strictly ritualized process called Conclaw, held in the Sistine Hat at the Vatican. Voter rights only have cardinals under the age of 80 and about 120 cardinals participate in the vote, reports DW Transmitt Periscope.

Here are some of the most serious contenders:

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagles (67, Philippines, head of the Vatican Office for Evangelization)

Called “Francescu of Asia” due to its focus in social justice, Tagle is seen in several circles as the favorite to become the first Pope from Asia alike to Francisco being the first pope from America. On paper, Tagles has all the qualifications to be Pope.

However, his chances could be reduced by accusations of abusive conduct within Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic global humanitarian network he led for years. The Holy See removed him from that position in 2022.

Cardinal Pietro Palolin (70, Italy, Vatican Secretary of State)

A possible bridge among various factions in Church, Palolin has been France's state secretary since 2013 and is one of the main pope candidates. His office is second in the hierarchy, right after the Pope. The conservatives criticised him for the role he played in mediating an agreement with Beijing on the appointment of bishops to Communist China. His election would return the Pope's post to Italy, after three Jordanian popes.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (76, Ghana, Vatican official and diplomat)

Pretty much the first Pope from Sub-Saharan Africa. Turkson works in Ghana as a pastor, but he also possesses diplomatic skills and leadership experience within the Vatican. Pope Francis sent him to South Sudan as a special envoy for peace. Its logic in communication, as well as its coming from the region where the church has the greatest growth of membership, while it is fading in Europe it strengthens its profile even more.

Cardinal Marc Owellet ( (79, Canada, former head of the Vatican bishopial Office)

As a veteran of the Vatican structures with international experience, Marc Owellet has long been considered one of the main pope candidates. It's theologically conservative, so traditionalists value it especially highly. In recent years he has been the target of accusations of improper conduct, but these have been rejected.

Cardinal Fridol Ambogo Besung (65, Congo, Archbishop of Kinshasa)

A young star from Africa. Ambogo combines strong traditional views with a commitment to social justice. It is an important voice of a powerful African church. His open opposition to the blessing of same - sex couples raised his international profile among conservatives.

Matteo Zuppi (69, Italy, Archbishop of Bologna)

Often named “Berggoglio of Italy” due to his similarity to Pope Francescu, Zuppi is a “ft of roads” that protects the poor and immigrants and avoids luxury ever using a bicycle instead of an official car. The flow of the conservative church may not support it because it is known for its progressive views.

Jean-Mark Aveline (66, France, Archbishop of Marseille)

He is known for his sense of humor and his close relationship with Francecescu, especially in terms of immigration and Muslim-Christian relations. If chosen, Aveline will be the first French pope since the 14th and youngest centuries since John Paul II. He understands Italian but does not speak fluently, which may be a problem, since he would also be the bishop of Rome.

Cardinal Peter Erdo (72, Hungary, Archbishop of Espergom-Budapest)

A strong representative of traditional Catholic teaching, who still managed to build bridges with Francescu's progressive environment. He was also one of the candidates during the 2013 Accord. Erdo speaks several languages, including Italian, although not considered particularly charismatic, it could attract those who want a stable mandate.

Cardinal Mario Grech (68, Malta, Secretary - General of the Bishops' Sinundy)

At the beginning of his career, Grech was a conservative and later became a key follower of Francecescu's reforms. In 2014, he called for a more tolerant attitude toward Catholics LGBTQ+ in a famous speech also praised by the pope. High position in the Vatican and good links to different currents make him a serious candidate.

Cardinal Juan José Omella (79, Spain, Archbishop of Barcelona)

Next to Pope Francis, Omella leads a modest life despite his high church position. He became a cardinal in 2016, and in 2023 he joined the board of nine Popes

Cardinal Joseph Tobin (72, U.S.A., Archbishop of Newark)

Although the Pope is unlikely to be from the United States, Tobin is the most realistic candidate among Americans. Born in Detroit, he speaks fluent Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. He has been praised for dealing with a serious scandal of sexual abuse. He is also known for opening it to LGBTQ+ persons.

Cardinal Angelo Scola (83, Italy, former Archbishop of Milan)

In the 2013 convention, Scola was one of the favourites. Its supporters appreciate its theological keenness and good standing among those who favour a more centralized church. However, he crossed the top border of the 80th to vote in the accord. Technically, it is possible to solve a pope outside an electoral body, but this is a rare thing in the modern era.

But the old expression should not be forgotten: the new “Cardinals choose an old pope”. This cynical aphorus reflects a traditional model in the Conclave, suggesting that the youngest and ambitious cardinals prefer to choose an older pope perhaps someone who will not stay long in this position. / DW/