Following Pope Francis’ passing, the Vatican has begun its secret selection process to choose the next pope among top contenders.
With the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Vatican is entering a significant period.
The process of selecting the next pope is about to begin, and many are wondering who might take on this important role.
Catholics begin mourning period for Pope Francis’ passing.
Following the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, a nine-day official mourning period has started.
This time allows Catholics worldwide to reflect on his life and contributions to the Church.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the news, highlighting the late pope’s dedication to serving God and the Church.
“At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.”
The process of selecting a new Pope
The selection of a new pope involves a process known as the papal conclave.
This highly secretive procedure is carried out by the College of Cardinals, which consists of over 200 senior cardinals.
They will gather to vote on a successor to Pope Francis.
The voting process is expected to last between 15 and 20 days. During this time, the cardinals will cast their votes four times a day.
A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected as the new pope.
While there is no legal age limit for candidates, it is important to note that the pope must be a man.
Potential candidates for Pope after Pope Francis’ passing
Although it is unclear who will ultimately be chosen, several frontrunners have emerged in the discussions about the next pope.
These individuals have strong connections to the Church and have been influential in their roles.
Pietro Parolin emerges as a leading pope candidate.
One of the leading candidates is Pietro Parolin, 70, from Italy.
He has served as the Vatican’s secretary of state since 2013, when Pope Francis was elected.
Parolin is known to be a close friend of the late pope and is viewed as reliable and trustworthy.
His experience and relationships within the Church make him a strong contender.
Luis Antonio Tagle could become the first Asian pope.
Another potential candidate is Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines.
Tagle is the former archbishop of Manila and would be a historic choice as the first Asian pope.
He was previously considered a likely successor to Pope Francis, but his position has shifted in recent times.
Tagle has faced criticism within the Church for suggesting that its views on LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced couples may be too harsh.
This change in perception could impact his chances of being elected.
Peter Turkson may bring fresh perspectives to leadership.
Peter Turkson, 76, from Ghana, is also among the possible candidates. His election would be significant as he could become the first black pope in centuries.
Turkson shares many concerns with Pope Francis, including issues like climate change, poverty, and economic justice.
His background and advocacy for social issues resonate with the late pope’s mission.
Turkson’s leadership could bring a new perspective to the papacy.
As the conclave approaches, many Catholics are eager to see who will emerge as the next leader of the Church.
The new pope is expected to continue the work of Pope Francis while addressing contemporary issues facing the Church and the world.
There is hope that the next pope will promote inclusivity and compassion, continuing the late pope’s legacy of reaching out to marginalized communities.
The selection process will likely be closely watched by both supporters and critics.