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Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, cardinals from around the world are gathering for pre-conclave meetings to discuss the future of the papacy. The conclave will be selecting the 267th pope, with 135 cardinal electors eligible to vote. The college of cardinals is notably diverse, representing over five dozen countries. Out of these electors, more than 100 were appointed by Pope Francis himself.
Europe holds the majority of electors with 53, including 16 from Italy. Asia and Latin America have 23 and 21 electors respectively, Africa accounts for 18, North America has 16, and Oceania is represented by four.
Several candidates have emerged as potential successors to Pope Francis. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, France, is considered close to Pope Francis and aligns with his priorities of migration and synodality, focusing on building communion and fostering unity.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Kinshasa is noted for his leadership and growth of Catholicism in Africa, playing a pivotal role in brokering agreements on behalf of Africa’s bishops.
Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, a Carmelite, known for being level-headed, has been recognized by both conservative and progressive circles. Cardinal Charles Maung Bo from Myanmar is an advocate for persecuted Catholics and critic of military actions in his country.
Cardinal Péter Erdo of Hungary, with strong theological and canonical expertise, appears to be a prominent candidate with previous experience in synods of bishops.
Dutch Cardinal Willem Eijk has garnered attention for his medical ethics background, while Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, a seasoned diplomat, might bring valuable international perspective to the papacy.
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, currently serving as secretary of state, is a front-runner among those in the Roman Curia, although his involvement in recent controversies might impact his candidacy.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusalem is respected for his diplomatic tact, while Cardinal Marcello Semeraro could be a "transitional" pope due to his Vatican experience.
The list of contenders also includes South Korean Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, with experience in clergy reform, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi from Bologna, involved in peace initiatives, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The upcoming conclave will reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and the direction of the church, with candidates offering a mix of continuity and reform.
"Michael Heinlein writes for OSV News from Fort Wayne, Indiana."
