New Pope Election: What Happens After Pope Francis’ Death — White Smoke, Succession & Possible Replacements

Millions of Catholics await a new leader as the Church enters a period of transition. With over 100 voting cardinals already in the Vatican, the conclave to choose Pope Francis’ successor is set to begin next month.

The death of Pope Francis has triggered a sacred and centuries-old process to select his successor. On May 7, cardinals from around the world will gather in the Vatican to elect the next pope in a conclave held inside the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis' coffin is carried into St. Peter's Square for his funeral on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

This decision will be shaped not only by the Church’s current challenges, but also by those who are seen as capable of meeting them. A closer look at the leading figures offers insight into the possibilities ahead.

Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Antoine Kambanda of Kigali, Rwanda, as Cardinal during a Consistory at St. Peter's Basilica on November 28, 2020, in Vatican City. | Source: Getty Images

The Leading Contenders for the Papacy

As the College of Cardinals prepares to vote, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. Among them, some potential successors have emerged, each bringing unique experience, theological perspective, and global representation.

Cardinal Peter Erdo – Hungary

Erdo, 72, is the Archbishop of Budapest and one of the most senior Catholic leaders in Central Europe. He is a canon lawyer and leads the Church in a country where most of the population identifies as Christian. Erdő is known for supporting the pope’s efforts to build stronger ties with Orthodox Christians.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo – Democratic Republic of Congo

The Archbishop of Kinshasa and president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Ambongo, gained international attention by leading African bishops in unanimously rejecting Fiducia Supplicans, a 2023 Vatican declaration on blessings for same-sex couples.

Cardinal Mario Grech – Malta

Grech, 68, serves as Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops. A canon lawyer by training, he has played a central role in reshaping Church governance to be more consultative and inclusive, aligning with Francis’ vision.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin – Italy

At 70, Parolin is the Vatican’s Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat. Often seen as the second-most powerful figure at the Holy See, he has remained a key presence throughout Francis’s pontificate, though he lacks pastoral experience.

VS

Related Posts

A Husband’s Unannounced Dinner Surprise”

A man brings his best buddy home for dinner… unannounced at 7:30 pm after work. His wife begins screaming at him and his friend just sits and…

The Wedding That Unraveled: One Silence, Three Objections

On the day I was supposed to say “I do,” three of my groomsmen stood up and objected in front of the entire crowd. At first, I…

The Truth Behind the Tailgate

I came home shattered, craving warmth, but Dad met me with cold silence and judgment. The house felt unchanged, stuck in a past that no longer fit…

Framed by a Guest, Freed by the Truth

Mia worked tirelessly as a hotel cleaner, pushing her cart down polished halls while the guest in Room 805 treated her like she was invisible—or worse. He…

Declined Card, Deeper Wounds: A Lesson in Respect

Friday night was meant to be a quiet escape just Sarah and me, reconnecting after a hectic week. We settled into a warm Italian restaurant, filled with…

She Abandoned Me, Then Tried to Use Me — I Chose My True Family Instead

When Diane was eight, her mother Erika left her with her aunt and uncle, saying it was just a business trip. Erika promised a Disneyland visit when…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *