African, 9 Others Contend To Succeed Pope Francis

With the passing of Pope Francis, several leading candidates from Africa, Asia, and beyond have emerged, each with distinct views on how the Catholic Church should evolve moving forward.

Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, attention has turned to who will succeed him as the next leader of the Catholic Church.

As cardinals gather in Rome for the Papal Conclave, several prominent candidates have emerged. These individuals represent a range of perspectives, backgrounds, and potential futures for the Church.

One of the key contenders is Peter Turkson, 76, from Ghana. He was a frontrunner during the 2013 conclave and, if elected, would become the first Black Pope. Known for his moderate stance on social issues, Turkson has been vocal in criticizing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa while also respecting local cultural views.

Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the former Archbishop of Manila, is considered a liberal candidate and is popular among reform-minded Catholics. He has advocated for a more compassionate approach towards gay and divorced individuals. If elected, Tagle would make history as the first Asian Pope.

Another potential successor is Pietro Parolin, 70, who currently serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Seen as a continuity candidate, Parolin is known for his moderate views, but his involvement in the controversial 2018 Vatican-China agreement and his remarks about same-sex marriage have drawn some criticism.

Peter Erdo, 72, from Hungary, is a staunch conservative. He has opposed granting communion to divorced and remarried Catholics. If elected, Erdo would be only the second Pope from the former Eastern Bloc.

Jose Tolentino de Mendonça, 59, from Madeira, Portugal, is the youngest among the leading candidates. A Vatican insider, Tolentino advocates for modern engagement with contemporary culture and encourages scholars to interact with the world. His progressive views make him an appealing choice for some reformers.

Matteo Zuppi, 69, Archbishop of Bologna, is another candidate. He has served as the Vatican’s peace envoy to Ukraine and is seen as compassionate and peace-oriented. Appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, Zuppi is viewed as someone who could continue the Pope’s legacy of diplomacy and peace.

Mario Grech, 68, from Malta, has supported Pope Francis’s efforts to make the Church more inclusive. He has encouraged the use of more welcoming language toward LGBTQ+ individuals and divorcees, aligning with Pope Francis’s progressive vision for the Church.

Lastly, Robert Sarah, 79, from French Guinea, is a conservative figure who has held important roles within the Vatican. Despite his age and hardline views, including opposition to gender ideology, Sarah remains a potential candidate for the papacy. If elected, he could become the first Black Pope, although his conservative stance may limit his support.
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