Who Will Be Pope Francis' Successor?

Jenny Lee February 23, 2025 | 07:04

Amid growing concerns over Pope Francis' health, questions have arisen about who will succeed him and what qualifications are needed for the role. Although there are numerous criteria for selecting the next Pope, being a Cardinal is not one of them.

Pope Francis waves as he arrives for his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Hall, at the Vatican, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025

The Catholic Church faces a pivotal moment as Pope Francis, aged 88, remains hospitalized in critical condition due to severe respiratory complications. This situation has intensified discussions about his potential successor, bringing attention to the papal selection process and the leading candidates poised to guide the Church's future.

Current Health Status of Pope Francis

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, following a week-long battle with bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia. His condition deteriorated further on February 22 when he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, necessitating high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions due to anemia.

Despite being alert and spending time in an armchair, his prognosis remains guarded, with concerns about potential sepsis—a severe blood infection that can follow pneumonia. The Vatican has indicated that he is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week.

The Papal Succession Process

The election of a new pope follows a time-honored and confidential procedure known as the papal conclave. Upon the death or resignation of a pope, the College of Cardinals, comprising all cardinals under the age of 80, is summoned to the Vatican.

These cardinal electors are sequestered within the Sistine Chapel, where they engage in a series of secret ballots to elect the new pontiff. A two-thirds majority is required for a candidate to be elected. The conclave continues with up to four ballots each day until a new pope is chosen.

The election's outcome is traditionally signaled to the public through the emission of white smoke from the chapel's chimney, indicating that a new pope has been elected.

Leading Candidates for the Papacy

Several prominent figures have emerged as potential successors to Pope Francis, each bringing unique backgrounds and perspectives:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): Serving as the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin is recognized for his diplomatic acumen and is viewed as a moderate who would likely continue Pope Francis' policies.

• Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of the Congo, 65): As President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Cardinal Ambongo Besungu is known for his conservative stance on church doctrine, particularly opposing progressive reforms.

• Cardinal Wim Eijk (Netherlands, 71): A former medical doctor, Cardinal Eijk is a staunch conservative, opposing Pope Francis' reforms and advocating for traditional church teachings.

• Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, 72): A prominent conservative voice, Cardinal Erdo opposes the inclusion of divorced or remarried Catholics receiving Holy Communion, aligning with traditional doctrinal views.

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): Dubbed the "Asian Francis," Cardinal Tagle is known for his progressive views, advocating for a more inclusive Church, especially concerning LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced Catholics.

What’s at Stake?

The decision of who will lead the Church next will have profound implications for the Catholic community and beyond. A conservative successor may halt or even reverse some of Pope Francis’ reforms, emphasizing traditional doctrines and conservative values. On the other hand, a more progressive choice could carry forward the current pope’s vision of a more inclusive and adaptive Church.

How is the next Pope elected?

• After a Pope dies or resigns, the Vatican organizes a papal conclave where the College of Cardinals gathers to choose the Church’s new leader, as noted on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.

• Out of 252 cardinals, 138 electors—those under the age of 80—take part in four rounds of a secret ballot held in the Sistine Chapel.

• Voting continues daily until one candidate secures a decisive two-thirds majority, with the process potentially lasting 15 to 20 days.

Conclusion

The world watches closely as Pope Francis’ health evolves and the Catholic Church prepares for a possible transition. Regardless of who emerges as the next pope, the decision will shape the direction of the Church for decades to come, influencing not only the religious sphere but also global conversations on morality, human rights, and social justice.

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