Leading Candidates for Next Pope, The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has set the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in the Catholic Church’s history: the election of a new pope. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide looking to the Vatican for leadership, the question on everyone’s mind is, who’s gonna be the new pope?
The secretive papal conclave, expected to convene soon, will determine the next pontiff from among a diverse group of cardinals. In this article, we explore the leading candidates for next pope 2025, delving into who are likely candidates for the next pope 2025 and who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025. We’ll also answer when will the conclave begin and provide insight into the factors shaping this historic transition.
The Papal Conclave: When Will It Begin?
The process of selecting a new pope is steeped in centuries-old tradition. Following the death of a pope, the Vatican observes a nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales. During this time, funeral rites are held, and cardinals from around the world prepare to travel to Rome. According to Vatican rules, the conclave typically begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, meaning the 2025 conclave is likely to start between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
The conclave, derived from the Latin cum clave (“with key”), is a closed-door gathering of cardinal electors under the age of 80. As of April 2025, there are 138 eligible voters among the 252 cardinals, with 110 appointed by Pope Francis. Held in the Sistine Chapel, the process involves secret ballots, with four rounds of voting each day until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Black smoke signals an inconclusive round, while white smoke announces the election of a new pope.
READ MORE- How Long Does It Take to Elect a Pope
With the conclave’s start date approaching, speculation about the leading candidates for next pope 2025 is intensifying. The next pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads, navigating issues like declining influence in the West, growth in Africa and Asia, and debates over social justice, inclusivity, and tradition.
Who Are the Leading Candidates for Next Pope 2025?
The leading candidates for next pope 2025 reflect the global diversity of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis reshaped the College of Cardinals, appointing men from the “peripheries” who share his pastoral focus on the poor and marginalized. This has created a conclave that is less European, less curial, and more representative of the Global South. Below, we highlight who are likely candidates for the next pope 2025 based on their influence, ideology, and Vatican buzz.
1. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67)
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, often called the “Asian Francis,” is a frontrunner among the leading candidates for next pope 2025. As the former Archbishop of Manila and current Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Tagle is known for his charisma, progressive views, and emphasis on social justice. His criticism of the Church’s harsh stance on issues like divorce and LGBTQ+ rights aligns with Pope Francis’s inclusive approach, making him a continuity candidate.
Tagle’s youth is both an asset and a potential drawback. At 67, he could lead for decades, which may concern cardinals wary of a long papacy. However, his prominence in Asia, where Catholicism is growing rapidly, makes him a compelling choice. If elected, Tagle would be the first Asian pope, a historic milestone for the Church. For those asking who’s gonna be the new pope, Tagle’s name is at the top of many lists.
2. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is another of the leading candidates for next pope 2025. A seasoned diplomat, Parolin has been a key figure in Pope Francis’s international efforts, including negotiations with China and mediation during the Ukraine war. His moderate stance and deep Vatican experience make him a “continuity candidate” who could stabilize the Church without drastic shifts.
Parolin’s diplomatic finesse and fluency in multiple languages enhance his appeal among cardinals seeking a steady hand. However, his role in the controversial 2018 Vatican-China deal may alienate some electors. For those wondering who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025, Parolin’s name consistently appears due to his global influence and alignment with Francis’s vision.
3. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, 76)
Cardinal Peter Turkson is a prominent figure among the leading candidates for next pope 2025, with the potential to become the first African pope since the 5th century. A key advisor to Pope Francis on climate change and social justice, Turkson has served as a peace envoy to South Sudan and led the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. His progressive views on economic justice and criticism of neoliberalism resonate with the Global South, where Catholicism is flourishing.
Theologically conservative, Turkson has softened his stance on issues like homosexuality, advocating for less punitive laws in African nations. His age and past controversies, such as his 2015 comments likening refugee intake to human trafficking, may pose challenges. Still, for those asking who are likely candidates for the next pope 2025, Turkson’s global perspective makes him a strong contender.
4. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72)
For cardinals favoring a conservative shift, Cardinal Péter Erdő is one of the leading candidates for next pope 2025. The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Erdő is a traditionalist who has championed unity with Orthodox Christians and opposed liberal reforms, such as allowing divorced Catholics to receive Communion. His intellectual rigor and ties to conservative factions, including the late Cardinal George Pell, bolster his candidacy.
Erdő’s conservative stance and perceived alignment with Hungary’s nationalist government may polarize voters. However, his experience as a former president of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe makes him a respected figure. For those curious about who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025, Erdő represents a potential return to traditionalism.
5. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69)
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, is a progressive voice among the leading candidates for next pope 2025. Known as the “Italian Bergoglio” for his focus on the poor and migrants, Zuppi shares Pope Francis’s pastoral priorities. His role as a Vatican peace envoy to Ukraine and his ties to the Sant’Egidio Community, a charity influential under Francis, enhance his profile.
Zuppi’s liberal leanings, including relative openness to same-sex relationships, may face resistance from conservative cardinals. Yet, his ability to bridge divides makes him a strong candidate for those asking who’s gonna be the new pope. If elected, Zuppi could be the first Italian pope since 1978.
Other Notable Candidates
While the above cardinals are among who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025, several others are generating buzz:
- Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea, 79): A conservative traditionalist, Sarah has criticized gender ideology and liberal reforms. His age and polarizing views may limit his chances, but he remains a contender for a historic African papacy.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo, 65): Known for his conservative stance and leadership in opposing liberal teachings, Ambongo is a rising star from Africa.
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France, 66): A reform-minded cardinal likened to Pope John XXIII, Aveline could appeal to those seeking a progressive European pope.
- Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça (Portugal, 59): A young, culturally engaged cardinal, his relative youth may hinder his candidacy.
Factors Shaping the 2025 Conclave
The leading candidates for next pope 2025 face a complex landscape. Pope Francis’s appointments have tilted the College of Cardinals toward pastors from the Global South, reflecting the Church’s shifting demographics. Nearly half of the electors come from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where concerns like poverty, climate change, and corruption are paramount. This diversity makes the conclave less predictable than in past decades.
Ideological divides also play a role. Progressives, inspired by Francis’s reforms on social justice and inclusivity, may favor candidates like Tagle or Zuppi. Conservatives, wary of secular influences, may rally behind Erdő or Sarah. The leading candidates for next pope 2025 must navigate these factions to secure the necessary two-thirds majority.
Geopolitics is another factor. The Church’s declining influence in Europe and North America contrasts with its growth in Africa and Asia. Electing a pope from these regions, such as Turkson or Tagle, could signal a new era. Additionally, the next pope will address contentious issues like the Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, women’s roles, and clerical celibacy, making the choice of who’s gonna be the new pope a defining moment.
When Will the Conclave Begin and What to Expect?
As noted, the conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, 2025. The process is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals sworn to silence and isolated from the outside world. Open campaigning is forbidden, but informal discussions during the mourning period allow cardinals to gauge support for the leading candidates for next pope 2025.
The conclave could last days or weeks, depending on the cardinals’ unity. The 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis took just two days, while historically, some have stretched for years. If no candidate achieves a two-thirds majority after 33 rounds, a run-off between the top two candidates may occur.
For those wondering who are likely candidates for the next pope 2025, the outcome remains uncertain. The Italian saying, “He who enters a conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal,” underscores the unpredictability. Dark horse candidates, like Jorge Bergoglio in 2013, often emerge victorious.
The Future of the Catholic Church
The election of the next pope will shape the Catholic Church’s trajectory for decades. Will the cardinals choose a progressive like Tagle to continue Francis’s reforms? Or will they opt for a conservative like Erdő to restore traditional teachings? Perhaps a compromise candidate like Parolin will bridge the divide. For those asking who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025, the answer lies in the balance of ideology, geography, and vision.
The leading candidates for next pope 2025 represent a Church in transition. With Africa and Asia poised to redefine Catholicism’s future, a non-European pope seems increasingly likely. As the world awaits the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, the question of who’s gonna be the new pope resonates beyond the Vatican, touching the lives of billions.
Conclusion
The 2025 papal conclave is a historic opportunity to redefine the Catholic Church’s leadership. The leading candidates for next pope 2025 Tagle, Parolin, Turkson, Erdő, and Zuppi offer diverse visions for the future.
As we ponder who are likely candidates for the next pope 2025 and who are the top candidates for the next pope 2025, the conclave’s outcome will hinge on the cardinals’ priorities. With the conclave set to begin in early May, the world watches eagerly to see when will the conclave begin and, ultimately, who’s gonna be the new pope. Stay tuned for updates as this historic moment unfolds.
1 thought on “Leading Candidates for Next Pope 2025: Who Will Lead the Catholic Church?”