Since the death of pope Francis, Monday, April 21, the cardinals have continued to flock to Rome and meet in general congregations in perspective of the Conclave, which will lead to the election of the future Pontiff among the most prominent cardinals, called “papabili”.
And the question of the successor of Pope Francis returns to all lips, especially those of more than a billion Catholics worldwide.
According to observers, more than half of the cardinals voters are not from the European continent, knowing that in the history of this process old, it is a first which makes its outcome more than impervisible.
This does not prevent it from allowing several favorite cardinal names to succeed to succeed Pope Francis. Among the “papabili”, the name of the Italian cardinal Pietro Parolin returns quite often.
Considered the number two in the Holy See and candidate for continuity, he has been Secretary of State of the Vatican since 2013, that is, during almost the entire pontificate of Pope Francis.
Ordained a priest at the age of 25, the Italian cardinal quickly distinguished himself by his interpersonal skills and his ability to manage diplomatic relations between the Vatican and other states. 70 years old, he gradually climbed the religious ladder, while winning on the international scene. Cardinal Parolin had a decisive role in signing a historical agreement between the Vatican and China on the appointments of bishops.
Another favorite candidate is Cardinal Philippin, Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, 67 years old. Former Archbishop of Manila, it was made cardinal after having served with several advice and congregations. In 2013, during the conclave which saw Jorge Mario Bergoglio “François” becoming Pope, Luis Antonio Tagle was already one of the favorites to take the reins of the Catholic Church.
Currently prefect of the dicastery for evangelization, Luis Antonio Tagle was raised to the rank of Cardinal-Evêque by Pope Francis in 2020, a status in the ecclesiastical hierarchy which, for observers, can make the Philippin religious more favorite to access the head of the Holy See.
Also is a favorite, the Italian cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), aged 69. This discreet and experienced diplomat has been carrying out political mediation missions abroad for over 30 years.
Member of the Roman community of Sant’Egidio, an unofficial channel of the diplomacy of the Holy See, he enjoys great popularity in Italy for his action with the poorest, while advocating the reception of migrants.
For his part, the French cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline is considered to be the candidate of the “new era” wanted by Pope Francis. Aged 66, he has always attached special importance to the living conditions of migrants. Favorable to interreligious dialogue, it was made cardinal in 2022 by Pope Francis.
As for Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he represents the voice of the Catholic Church in Africa.
He is considered to be an ardent promoter of social justice, who does not hesitate to commit politically to defend the poor and the voiceless. The archbishop of Kinshasa, is made cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019 and is today considered to be the leader of the Catholic Church in Africa. Very respected in Rome, its election as a new pope would be historic.
During the conclave, the world will have its eyes on the fireplace installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, from which the two rounds of election will emanate, both a white smoke in the event of an election, or black if the majority of two thirds are not reached.
