Papal elections are full of drama and intrigue. So much so, that a film about the pope selection process won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. (Yes, that would be Conclave.) We at marie claire even remember the selection of Pope Francis in 2013, where there was plenty of drama and scandal upon the selection of a more progressive leader of the church. Whether you are a Catholic or not, there’s no denying the influence of a pope.
The position is one of significant cultural and political influence, setting the agenda for roughly 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. And the stance the pope adopts on political issues can trickle down through believers and non-believers alike. For example, in his final speech before his passing, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and disparaged violence and contempt against migrants and minorities, which were also the subjects of his final meeting with US Vice President, JD Vance.
However, Pope Francis was not your standard pope. His election back in Mach 13, 2013 caused quite the stir. Not only was Pope Francis the first non-European pope in centuries, but he brought some progressive sensibilities and opinions to the chair. While the Catholic Church remains regrettably immovable on social issues like gay marriage, abortion and female representation in the clergy, Pope Francis proved to have a more welcoming point of view than many of his peers and predecessors.
Now, the question becomes who will be the next pope—and what attitudes will the bring? With issues of fascism and genocide on the table, with leading nations like the United States seeking to
How Is The Next Pope Selected?
The next pope is elected by vote, open only to cardinals in the Church. Cardinals are the second-highest ranking members of the Church, after the pope who is, of course, the first.
However, there are some rules within that. Specifically, only cardinals under the age of 80 are permitted to vote. The next pope will be voted on by 136 eligible cardinals.
As for candidacy, there are few rules apart from you must be baptised Catholic and male. The pope is, however, most likely to be elected from those who sit in the conclave.
The vote is held as part of a highly classified meeting of eligible cardinals called a ‘conclave’. The conclave can last days or months—however long is takes for a candidate to get a two-thirds majority vote. During the conclave the cardinals are essentially on lockdown, living in the Vatican and restricted from contact with the outside world.
Votes are cast by paper ballot in the Sistine Chapel. After each vote round, the ballots are burned and a black smoke signal is sent up to signify that a new pope has NOT been elected. When a decision has been reached, a white smoke signal will be sent.
Who Will Be The Next Pope? Meet Your Contenders
Although the secrecy of the conclave means we don’t get a lot of intel, Catholic commentators are putting their own picks forward based on personal preference and likelihood. The College Of Cardinals Report has put forward 12 names as the “leading candidates” to be the next pope.
The mix includes some traditionalist and progressive choices, with black and Asian candidates in the balance. Much of the church remains staunchly anti-women, so it goes without saying that unfortunately all the candidates are men.
We have compiled profiles on some of the wider-reported front runners, with a further shortlist below.
Cardinal Péter Erdo
From: Budapest, Hungary
Age: 72
About: Erdo is a conservative and traditionalist, per ABC News. He’s described as well-read and intellectual, but does not support divorce or homosexuality, even favouring conversion therapy. The College of Cardinals Report says he was a favourite of Australian Cardinal, George Pell, who was the most senior member of the clergy to be convicted (and later acquitted) of child sex offences.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
From: Bologna, Italy
Age: 69
About: A favourite of the late Pope Francis, Zuppi is very popular in and out of the church. He grew up in Rome and is well connected. The College of Cardinals Report describes him as “someone who seeks to engage constantly with the modern world and implement the “profound change” that he believes the Council wanted for the Church.”
Cardinal Luis Tagle
From: Manila, Philippines
Age: 67
About: Cardinal Luis Tagle is from Filipino and Chinese ancestry, and has reportedly been labelled the “Asian Francis”, resembling some of Pope Francis’ attributes and training with Jesuits. He was once a preferred successor but has allegedly “fallen out of favour”. His views are mixed, with conservative approaches to abortion and euthanasia. He would be a preferred candidate for those wanting to continue Pope Francis’ legacy.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
From: Schiavon, Italy
Age: 70
About: The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin is a high-powered, unapologetically political figure in the church. However, his visibility, influence and handling of both political matters and finances has meant he’s not without his critics on the inside, which could damage his dreams of becoming Pope. To some, however, he is viewed as a master of peace and diplomacy who will most likely continue Francis’ legacy with some less radical ideas.
Cardinal Robert Sarah
From: Ourous, Guinea
Age: 72
About: Cardinal Robert Sarah is another conservative choice, with strong and outspoken opinions on the “evils” of abortion, same sex couples and Islam. However, The College Of Cardinals report still labels him as the leading contender to be the first African Pope since Pope Gelasius in the fifth Century. He is quite vocal on social media, frequently publishing his commentary on X (formerly Twitter).
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith
From: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Age: 77
About: The Cardinal from Sri Lanka has negative stance on ordaining women and blessing same sex couples. While he continues Pope Francis’ focus on the challenges of climate change, he is more in line with Pope Benedict’s legacy. His connection to Asia could also work in his favour.
Further candidates for the next pope include:
- Cardinal Willem Eijk, Netherlands
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Jerusalem
- Cardinal Charles Bo, Myanmar
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Sweden
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, France
Will There Be An Australian Pope?
If you’re hoping to see an Australian pope, you might be out of luck for now. There is, however, one Australian cardinal, that is Melbourne Bishop Mykola Bychock. He is the Vatican’s youngest cardinal at the age of 45.
When Will The Next Pope Be Elected?
After the death of the pope, the Vatican enters a nine-day mourning period, called Novemediales. Between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death, the cardinals will convene the conclave and begin the selection of a new pope. The voting will take place until a two-thirds plus one majority is reached. As this could take days or weeks, nobody knows the precise date we will have a new pope.
