Who Will Be the Next Pope? Here Are Some Possible Candidates to Succeed Francis.
With Pope Francis nearing his 85th birthday, speculation is growing about who will succeed him as the leader of the Catholic Church. While the decision ultimately lies in the hands of the College of Cardinals, there are several possible candidates who could be the next Pope.
One potential candidate is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. Tagle is considered a rising star in the Catholic Church and is known for his humility and compassion. He has served as the Archbishop of Manila and currently holds a high-ranking position in the Vatican. Tagle is seen as a progressive leader who could continue Pope Francis’ efforts to reform the Church.
Another possible candidate is Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy. Parolin is currently the Vatican’s Secretary of State, making him one of the most powerful figures in the Church. He is known for his diplomatic skills and has played a key role in the Vatican’s efforts to improve relations with other countries. Parolin is seen as a moderate voice within the Church and could bring stability to the papacy.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of the United States is also considered a potential candidate. Gregory made history as the first African American cardinal and has been praised for his efforts to address the Church’s sex abuse scandal. He is seen as a progressive leader who could help the Church reach out to marginalized communities.
Other potential candidates include Cardinal Sean O’Malley of the United States, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria, and Cardinal Luis Ladaria of Spain. Each of these cardinals brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, making them strong contenders for the papacy.
Ultimately, the decision of who will be the next Pope rests in the hands of the College of Cardinals, who will gather in a conclave to elect the new leader of the Catholic Church. While the outcome is uncertain, one thing is clear – the next Pope will have big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Pope Francis.