Pope Francis Enters Eternity; Successors Prepare for the Future
Yesterday, the funeral of Pope Francis took place in St. Peter’s Square, attended by nearly 200,000 individuals, including heads of state, senior clergy, and dignitaries from around the world. Following the ceremony, he was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Amid a solemn atmosphere, notable attendees included Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, former U.S. President Donald Trump with wife Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Argentine President Javier Milei, despite his prior criticisms of the Pope’s statements and positions.
Looking Ahead
Pope Francis’s burial marks the beginning of a nine-day mourning period, culminating in the election of his successor by the conclave. Traditionally, the conclave convenes 15-20 days after the pope’s death or resignation. With Pope Francis passing on April 21, the conclave is expected to commence between May 6 and May 11, though it may start earlier if the cardinals reach a consensus.
In Eternity: Pope Francis Passes, His Successors Prepare for Leadership
While any baptized Catholic male can be elected pope, only cardinals have been selected since 1378. The new pope will be chosen by the conclave, requiring a two-thirds majority from the voting cardinals under 80. Currently, there are 252 cardinals in the Catholic Church, with 135 of them eligible to vote in Vatican City for the new pope.
Potential Successors
Although it is challenging to predict who will succeed Pope Francis, estimates suggest that 13 cardinals are currently favored:
Cardinal Reinhard Marx
The Archbishop of Munich and Freising, 71, Cardinal Marx has served as a key advisor since 2013 and has overseen financial reforms within the Vatican.
- Cardinal Peter Erdo
At 72, the Archbishop of Budapest has been elected chair of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences twice and is known for his balanced perspective on immigration and support of the Pope’s relations with Orthodox Christians.
- Cardinal Marc Ouellet
This Canadian cardinal has led the Vatican’s bishops office for over a decade and continues to serve despite his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin
The 70-year-old Vatican Secretary of State has been influential since 2014 and is seen as a moderate figure with the potential to bridge divisions within the Church.
- Cardinal Anders Arborelius
At 75, he is the first cardinal from Scandinavia, known for a traditional approach to church teachings.
- Cardinal Robert Prevost
With significant experience as an archbishop in Peru, the 69-year-old cardinal oversees bishop nominations around the globe.
- Cardinal Robert Sarah
Aged 79 and formerly head of the Vatican’s liturgical office, Cardinal Sarah is a potential candidate for an African pope, advocating for a return to traditional papacy.
- Cardinal Christoph Schönborn
The Archbishop of Vienna, 80, is associated with key developments during Pope Francis’s papacy and has defended the Pope’s views on divorced and remarried individuals.
- Cardinal Luis Tagle
The 67-year-old Archbishop of Manila, often dubbed the “Asian Francis,” is recognized for his commitment to issues of poverty and inclusivity.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
At 69, the Archbishop of Bologna is tied to the Sant’Egidio community and promotes a more responsive Church.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo
The 65-year-old president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar is known for advocating social justice and critically engaging with the Congolese government.
- Cardinal Mario Grech
At 68, this lawyer plays a vital role in the Church’s synodal operations.
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
The 60-year-old has been vocal about social justice during ongoing conflicts and emphasizes interfaith dialogue and concern for migrants.
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