The College of Cardinals, comprising 133 eligible cardinals from 70 countries, will elect a new leader for the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church
As the papal conclave progresses to elect a successor to the late Pope Francis, eight cardinals have emerged as leading contenders, each representing diverse theological perspectives and regional backgrounds.
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Cardinal Wim Eijk, 71, the Netherlands
Cardinal Mario Grech, 67, Malta
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy
Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines.
Cardinal Mario Grech, 67, Malta
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy
Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines.
Here’s an overview of these prominent figures:
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
Role: Vatican Secretary of State
Profile: Often considered the "deputy pope," Parolin is a seasoned diplomat known for his moderate stance and continuity with Francis’s vision. He has been instrumental in key Vatican negotiations, including the 2018 agreement with China on bishop appointments.
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Role: Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization
Profile: Dubbed the "Asian Francis," Tagle is recognized for his emphasis on social justice and humility. He previously served as Archbishop of Manila and is seen as a bridge between traditional doctrine and progressive outreach.
3. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
Role: Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
Profile: A leading conservative voice, Erdő is esteemed for his deep knowledge of canon law and theological scholarship. He appeals to those favoring a return to traditional Church teachings.
4. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
Role: Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference
Profile: Known for his pastoral approach and commitment to social issues, Zuppi has been active in peace negotiations and is considered a progressive candidate aligned with Francis’s reforms.
5. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
Role: Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
Profile: Advocating for environmental issues and social justice, Turkson could become the first Black pope in over 1,500 years. His balanced views make him a unifying figure across different Church factions.
6. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)
Role: Former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Profile: A staunch conservative, Sarah is known for his opposition to many of Francis’s reforms and his emphasis on traditional liturgy and doctrine.
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7. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy)
Role: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
Profile: With extensive experience in interfaith dialogue, especially in the Middle East, Pizzaballa is respected for his diplomatic skills and efforts in conflict resolution.
8. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France)
Role: Archbishop of Marseille
Profile: Aveline is noted for his commitment to interreligious dialogue and integration, particularly concerning Muslim-Christian relations in Europe.
The conclave's outcome remains uncertain, with ideological divisions between progressives and conservatives influencing the decision-making process.
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