Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the eyes of the Catholic world turn to Rome as the Catholic Church enters a new period of waiting and decision-making.

The Catholic Church is facing a new period of renewal and renewal, as it enters a new period of renewal and renewal.

The Pope’s funeral is expected to be held within nine days, while the process of electing his successor, by the conclave, will begin within the next month, after general assemblies of cardinals.

The historic election of the first Latin American pontiff had marked a turning point in the Catholic Church. According to the Daily Mail, the question now is whether it is time for the first black or Asian pope.

Who are the 8 most likely successors to Pope Francis

In fact, eight cardinals stand out in the succession “battle” as the Vatican prepares for the conclave that will elect the new pope.

More specifically:

Peter Turkson

Peter Turkson, former bishop of Cape Coast, is considered a possible candidate to become the first black pope. Originally from Ghana, he was sent by Pope Francis as a peace envoy to South Sudan. On LGBTQ+ issues he takes an intermediate stance, stressing that laws in many African countries are too strict, but also that local views must be respected. He was previously considered a favourite in the 2013 Conclave as well.

Louise Antonio Tagle

The election of Louis Antonio Tagle would mark the rise of the first Asian pope, in a region with a rapidly growing Catholic population. Although he has voiced opposition to abortion rights in the Philippines, he is considered one of the most liberal voices in the Vatican. He has stated that the Church has been cruel to homosexuals and divorced couples, which, in his opinion, hinders pastoral work.

Pietro Parolin

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Vatican Foreign Minister and close associate of Pope Francis, is the “candidate of continuity”. Although considered a moderate, he does not match the liberal positions of his predecessor. In 2015 he called the legalization of same-sex marriage in Ireland a “defeat for humanity”. His reputation has taken a hit in recent years because of the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with China, which many consider too accommodating to the Communist Party.

Peter Erdo

Peter Erdo, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, would be the second pope since John Paul II to come from the former Soviet bloc. He has defended the work of his predecessor, Joseph Minsendi, who was persecuted by the communist regime. Erdo has expressed strict positions, stating that divorcees and those who have remarried should not receive Holy Communion.

Jose Tolentino

Jose Tolentino, originally from Madeira, is one of the younger candidates and presents himself as a representative of a more modern Church. He has invited theologians to engage in contemporary culture through film and music. He has served in many Vatican positions and is considered a “fresh” presence.

Mateo Zupi

Mateo Zupi, Archbishop of Bologna since 2015 and a cardinal since 2019, has been chosen by Pope Francis as a peace envoy for the war in Ukraine. In 2023 he visited Moscow, meeting Patriarch Kirill, but without any substantial results.

Mario Greck

Mario Greck, former Bishop of Gozo and now General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, has called on the Church to adopt “a new language” to address issues concerning same-sex couples and divorcees. However, his approach remains rather traditional on key issues.

Robert Sara

Robert Sara from French Guinea is another potential candidate who could become the first black pope. His age serves as a disadvantage, but he has long experience in the Vatican, dating back to the time of John Paul II. A strong conservative, he has condemned “gender ideology” and has taken a strong stance against Islamic fundamentalism.