Cardinals in the Running for Pope 2025: Who Will Lead the Catholic Church Next?

Cardinals in the Running for Pope, The passing of Pope Francis in April 2025 has set the stage for a historic papal conclave, with Cardinals for pope 2025 at the forefront of global attention. The College of Cardinals, a diverse and influential group of Catholic leaders, will convene in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pontiff. This article explores the leading candidates, the intricate process of how the next pope is chosen, and what happens when a new pope is elected in 2025. With a focus on Cardinals will elect the next pope in May, we’ll dive into the key figures and factors shaping this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.

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The Papal Conclave: How Is the Next Pope Chosen in 2025?

The process of selecting a new pope is steeped in centuries-old traditions, governed by the Vatican’s Apostolic Constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis. The conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025, is a secretive and sacred event where cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025 gather to vote. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate, and currently, 135 electors from over 70 countries are eligible, making this one of the most diverse conclaves in history.

How is the next pope chosen in 2025? The process begins with the sede vacante (vacant seat) period following Pope Francis’s death. After a nine-day mourning period known as the novendiales, cardinals convene in Rome for general congregations to discuss the Church’s needs. These discussions set the tone for the conclave, where cardinals vote in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes.

Cardinals in the Running for Pope 2025

Voting occurs through secret ballots, with each cardinal writing the name of their chosen candidate. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope. After each round, ballots are burned, producing black smoke if no candidate secures the necessary votes or white smoke to signal a successful election. The process continues, with up to four voting rounds per day, until a new pontiff emerges. This meticulous process ensures that Cardinals for pope 2025 select a leader guided by faith and discernment.

Leading Cardinals for Pope 2025: Who Are the Frontrunners?

The Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025 include a diverse group of leaders, many appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his vision of a global Church. While any baptized male Catholic can technically become pope, tradition dictates that the next pontiff will be chosen from the College of Cardinals. Below are some of the leading candidates, often referred to as papabili (pope-able), who are in the running for pope in 2025.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, Age 70)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, is a leading contender among Cardinals for pope 2025. Known for his diplomatic prowess, Parolin has navigated complex geopolitical issues, including Vatican-China relations and Middle East negotiations. His moderate stance aligns with Pope Francis’s vision, making him a “continuity candidate” who could bridge progressive and conservative factions. Parolin’s experience and global influence position him as a strong choice for Cardinals will elect the next pope in May.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, Age 67)

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, often called the “Asian Pope Francis,” is a charismatic and progressive leader. As head of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Tagle has championed social justice and inclusivity, particularly for the poor and marginalized. His potential to become the first Asian pope makes him a compelling candidate for Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025. Tagle’s media-savvy nature and fluency in English could amplify the Church’s global voice, a key consideration for Cardinals for pope 2025.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, Age 69)

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, is a progressive figure known for his pastoral approach and commitment to peace. Appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019, Zuppi has served as a Vatican peace envoy in Ukraine and other conflict zones. His inclusive stance on issues like same-sex relationships aligns with Francis’s reforms, making him a strong candidate for Cardinals will elect the next pope in May. Zuppi’s nickname, the “street priest,” reflects his dedication to the marginalized, a quality valued by Cardinals for pope 2025.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, Age 76)

Cardinal Peter Turkson, former head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, represents the growing influence of African cardinals. His advocacy for climate justice, poverty alleviation, and human rights resonates with the Church’s mission in the Global South. Turkson’s election would mark a historic milestone as the first African pope in centuries, a possibility that excites Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025. His age may be a concern, but his global perspective strengthens his case for Cardinals for pope 2025.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, Age 72)

Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, is a leading conservative candidate. Known for his intellectual rigor and traditionalist views, Erdő advocates for Catholic doctrine while fostering dialogue with Orthodox Christians. His balanced approach to migration recognizing both the right to migrate and the need for political stability appeals to diverse factions. Erdő’s candidacy could signal a shift from Francis’s progressive reforms, making him a notable figure among Cardinals for pope 2025.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy, Age 60)

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, is a younger candidate whose work in conflict zones has elevated his profile. His offer to serve as a hostage during the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023 demonstrated his commitment to peace and social justice. Pizzaballa’s relative youth could ensure a longer pontificate, a factor considered by Cardinals will elect the next pope in May. His pastoral approach makes him a rising star among Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025.

What Happens When a New Pope Is Elected in 2025?

Once a candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks if he accepts the election and what papal name he will take. The new pope is then dressed in white vestments in the Room of Tears, a small chamber adjacent to the Sistine Chapel. What happens when a new pope is elected? 2025 will see the new pontiff step onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon, currently Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, announces “Habemus Papam” (We have a pope) to the world.

The white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signals the election, sparking celebrations among the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. The new pope delivers his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), marking the end of the sede vacante period. Cardinals for pope 2025 will have chosen a leader to guide the Church through global challenges, from declining influence in Europe to growth in Asia and Africa.

Factors Influencing the 2025 Papal Election

The Cardinals will elect the next pope in May under unique circumstances. Pope Francis appointed 108 of the 135 eligible electors, diversifying the College of Cardinals with representation from Asia (17%), Africa (14%), and Latin America (18%). This shift reduces Europe’s dominance (39%) and increases the likelihood of a non-European pope. The conclave’s diversity, coupled with Francis’s progressive legacy, will shape the election.

Key issues include:

Continuity vs. Change: Will cardinals choose a progressive like Tagle or Zuppi to continue Francis’s reforms, or a conservative like Erdő for retrenchment?
Global Representation: The Church’s growth in the Global South fuels speculation about an African or Asian pope, such as Turkson or Tagle.
Geopolitical Influence: Candidates like Parolin, with diplomatic experience, are valued in a volatile world.
Age and Tenure: Younger candidates like Pizzaballa may be favored for a longer pontificate, while older candidates like Turkson face scrutiny.

How is the next pope chosen in 2025? The answer lies in the delicate balance of ideology, geography, and the Church’s future direction, as Cardinals for pope 2025 weigh these factors.

The Role of the College of Cardinals

The College of Cardinals is the Catholic Church’s most powerful electorate, tasked with selecting the successor to St. Peter. Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025 are senior clergy, often archbishops or Vatican officials, appointed by previous popes. Their red vestments symbolize their willingness to shed blood for the faith. The conclave’s secrecy, enforced by oaths and security measures like sweeping for listening devices, ensures that Cardinals will elect the next pope in May without external influence.

Historical Context and Modern Challenges

The 2025 conclave follows a transformative papacy under Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff. His focus on social justice, climate change, and inclusivity reshaped the Church, but also sparked tensions with conservative factions. What happens when a new pope is elected? 2025 will see the new pope inherit a Church at a crossroads, grappling with declining influence in the West, growth in the Global South, and debates over issues like LGBTQ+ rights and clerical celibacy.

Historically, conclaves have produced surprises. Pope Francis himself was not a frontrunner in 2013. Cardinals for pope 2025 may choose an unexpected candidate, guided by the Holy Spirit, as Catholic tradition holds. The conclave’s outcome will set the tone for the Church’s future, whether it continues Francis’s progressive path or shifts toward tradition.

Why the 2025 Papal Election Matters

The election of the next pope is a defining moment for the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers. The new pontiff will shape theological teachings, appoint bishops, and influence global issues like poverty, migration, and climate change. Cardinals will elect the next pope in May, and their choice will resonate far beyond the Vatican, impacting interfaith dialogues and international relations.

For Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025, the conclave is both a spiritual and strategic endeavor. Candidates like Parolin, Tagle, and Zuppi represent different visions for the Church, from diplomacy to pastoral care. How is the next pope chosen in 2025? Through prayer, debate, and a commitment to the Church’s mission, as Cardinals for pope 2025 seek a leader to navigate a complex world.

Conclusion

The 2025 papal conclave is a historic event, with Cardinals for pope 2025 tasked with selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church. As Cardinals will elect the next pope in May, the world watches to see whether a progressive like Tagle, a diplomat like Parolin, or a conservative like Erdő will emerge. What happens when a new pope is elected? 2025 will mark the beginning of a new chapter, with the new pope stepping onto the global stage to guide the Church. Through a process steeped in tradition and faith, Cardinals eligible to be next pope 2025 will shape the future of Catholicism, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world.