The Catholic Church has entered a pivotal moment following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. The conclave of the College of Cardinals is now expected to begin within 15 to 20 days to elect the next Bishop of Rome, a decision that will define the direction of the Church for its 1.3 billion followers worldwide.
Pope Francis’s 12-year pontificate shifted the Church’s focus heavily toward social justice themes—emphasizing issues such as LGBTQ inclusion, climate change, and mass migration—while de-emphasizing doctrinal rigidity. These priorities influenced his cardinal appointments, with nearly 80% of the electors in the upcoming conclave selected by him. Francis often favored cardinals from developing nations and pastoral backgrounds, particularly in Africa and Asia, signaling his desire for a global Church with a decentralized leadership.
As the cardinals prepare to vote, several leading contenders have emerged:
Cardinal Luis Tagle (Philippines) – Known as the “Asian Pope Francis,” Tagle represents a continuity candidate. He has called for a less judgmental Church and has publicly criticized harsh language toward homosexuals and divorced individuals. If elected, he would be the first Pope from Asia.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) – As Secretary of State under Pope Francis, Parolin has broad diplomatic experience and has taken conservative positions on some social issues. However, he has faced criticism for negotiating controversial deals with communist China regarding bishop appointments.
Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary) – A prominent conservative voice, Erdő has opposed changes to Church teaching on divorce and resisted open-border migration policies. His candidacy appeals to those seeking a doctrinal and cultural re-centering of the Church.
Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea) – A staunch traditionalist, Sarah is one of the most outspoken conservative figures in the Vatican. He has warned against globalist ideologies and modern moral confusion, and opposes illegal migration and gender theory.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) – Once a key figure in the Vatican’s climate agenda, Turkson combines progressive views on environmentalism with adherence to traditional Church teaching. He recently opposed anti-homosexuality laws in Ghana, sparking backlash from local bishops.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) – A leading progressive in the mold of Pope Francis, Zuppi is known for outreach to the LGBT community and international peace missions. He faced controversy over same-sex blessing plans in his diocese but remains a strong continuity contender.
The upcoming conclave is not just a decision about leadership, but a theological crossroads—whether to reinforce the progressive legacy of Pope Francis or to steer the Church back toward a firmer orthodoxy. The outcome will resonate not only through the Vatican, but across global Catholic communities wrestling with modern cultural and political upheavals.
President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump announced plans to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome.
