Who will the next pope be? Here are some top contenders

The passing of Pope Francis this week signifies the conclusion of a momentous papacy and the onset of a significant transition for the Catholic Church. As his followers worldwide grieve his loss, focus now shifts to the upcoming phase: the selection of a new pope.
The process of electing a new pope, known as the conclave, will soon take place. Traditionally occurring two to three weeks after a pope’s funeral, the conclave brings together the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Through prayer, contemplation, and confidential voting, they must achieve a two-thirds majority to designate the next Bishop of Rome.
While technically any baptized Catholic man could be chosen, cardinals have held the position for the past seven centuries. Nevertheless, the outcome remains unpredictable at times, occasionally surprising even the electors themselves.

In 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later became Pope Francis, was not initially a frontrunner. However, after five rounds of voting, he emerged as the leading candidate. A similar scenario could unfold once more.
This conclave occurs during a period of tension and transformation within the church. Francis aimed to decentralize Vatican authority, stressed the importance of caring for the underprivileged and the environment, and sought to initiate discussions on sensitive topics like LGBTQIA+ inclusion and clerical misconduct. The cardinals now face the decision of whether to continue along this path or veer towards a more traditional route.
Past trends also come into play. For many centuries, Italians dominated the papacy, with 217 out of 266 popes being Italian. However, recent decades have seen a shift, with popes hailing from Argentina, Poland, and Germany.
Various cardinals are highlighted as potential candidates, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the current Secretary of State of Vatican City, being a prominent figure. Parolin is viewed as a centrist who could appeal to both reform-minded and conservative cardinals. However, some believe he lacks the charismatic and pastoral qualities that defined Francis’ papacy.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines are also frequently mentioned as contenders. Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, known for his advocacy on environmental and economic justice, is another notable figure.

The selection of the next pope remains uncertain, with various cardinals from different regions and backgrounds vying for the position. The outcome will shape the future of the Catholic Church doctrinally, diplomatically, and pastorally, as the new pope navigates between age-old traditions and the pressing realities of the contemporary world.