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The race for the succession of Pope Francis: the papable cardinals
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After the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025, the succession discussion has begun. Here are the 15 most accredited cardinals, divided by continent
With the death of Pope Francis on 21 April 2025, the race for his succession officially opens. Although the Conclave has not yet been convened, the names of the papable cardinals are already being discussed. According to a list published by AFP, there are at least 15 cardinals who seem to be the most likely to succeed the Pope. In this article we will explore the main candidates, divided by continent, and their characteristics.
The main Italian papabili
Pietro Parolin – 70 years old, Vatican Secretary of State
Pietro Parolin, a central figure in Francis’ pontificate, is one of the main candidates. A diplomat and expert, he has played a crucial role in delicate diplomatic agreements, including the 2018 agreement with China. Parolin is known for his international contacts and influence within the Roman Curia.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa – 60 years old, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins
Pizzaballa is a prominent figure in the Middle East, working in an archdiocese that includes delicate territories such as Israel and Gaza. Recently created cardinal, he has always had a strong commitment to peace and religious coexistence.
Matteo Maria Zuppi – 69 years old, Archbishop of Bologna
Zuppi is highly regarded for his diplomatic work and commitment to peace. He is also known for his inclusive approach to the issues of migrants and gay Catholics in the Church. President of CEI since 2022, he has played a crucial role in the dialogue with Ukraine.
Claudio Gugerotti – 69 years old
An expert in Vatican diplomacy and polyglot, Gugerotti has been to numerous countries, including Great Britain and Ukraine. His role as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches makes him an outstanding candidate.
International papabili
Jean-Marc Aveline (France) – 66 years old, Archbishop of Marseille
Aveline is considered a close friend of Pope Francis. He has dedicated much of his life to interreligious dialogue and the defence of migrants, principles that are at the heart of Francis’ pontificate.
Anders Arborelius (Sweden) – 75 years old, Bishop of Stockholm
Arborelius, the first Swedish cardinal, is known for his doctrinal firmness, but also for his commitment to migrants and the need for religious integration in Europe.
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) – 67 years old, Archbishop of Manila
Tagle is one of the most talked about papabili in Asia, thanks to his charisma and his commitment to the poor and migrants. He was already a candidate in the 2013 Conclave, where he was later elected Pope Francis.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo) – 65 years old
Ambongo is a fervent defender of human rights and has always denounced the violation of the rights of the Rohingya. He is also the president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.
Other papabili
Peter Erdo (Hungary) – 72 years old
Erdo is an expert in canon law, respected for his openness to other religions, but also for his conservative stance on ethical issues such as same-sex marriage.
Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg) – Archbishop of Luxembourg
Firm in dogma, but open to social change, Hollerich spent over twenty years in Japan, specialising in cultural relations between Europe and Asia. He has been very committed to the environment and the involvement of young people in the Church.
Mario Grech (Malta) – 68 years old, Bishop Emeritus of Gozo
Grech is the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, a position that has put him in the forefront of handling crucial issues for the Church. His balance between openness and respect for tradition makes him an outstanding figure.
Peter Turkson (Ghana) – 76 years old
Considered a possible candidate for the African papacy, Turkson has always tried to push for a Church more attentive to the social and economic aspects of the world. He is known for his speech at the World Economic Forum.
The race to succeed Pope Francis promises to be full of discussions and challenges. The papal cardinals are prominent figures with different approaches to theological and social issues, but all united by their commitment to serve the Church. It will be interesting to see how these candidates will position themselves during the Conclave, in anticipation of the final decision that will mark the future of the Catholic Church.
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