With Pope Francis's death, many are looking toward the next conclave. Here are the "papabili": cardinals considered most likely to succeed Francis. This analysis presents the most probable candidates, grouped according to their theological and pastoral tendencies.
These cardinals are firmly attached to Catholic Tradition and strongly oppose recent reforms, particularly the restriction of the Tridentine Mass, secret agreements with China, communion for remarried divorcees, and blessings for same-sex couples.
Born on June 15, 1945, in Ourous, Guinea, Robert Sarah was ordained a priest in 1969. At 34, in 1979, he became the Archbishop of Conakry, the youngest Catholic bishop at the time. He held this position until 2001, during which he resisted the Marxist regime of Sékou Touré, defending religious freedom and the autonomy of the Church. (Cardinal Robert Sarah: A Leading Contender for the Pope Office, Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Robert Sarah's resignation from ...)
In 2001, he was appointed Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, then President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum in 2010. That same year, he was created cardinal by Benedict XVI. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, a position he held until his retirement in 2021. (Pope Francis accepts Cardinal Robert Sarah's resignation from ..., 14 cardinals will no longer be electors at the end of 2025 - Aleteia, Le cardinal Sarah ne sera bientôt plus électeur du Conclave - Aleteia)
Author of several influential works such as God or Nothing (2015), The Power of Silence (2016), and The Day Is Now Far Spent (2019), he is recognized for his defense of the traditional values of the Church.
Cardinal Sarah is identified as a conservative figure, attached to traditional liturgy and the Church's classical moral teachings. He criticizes secularization and defends a vision of the Church centered on prayer, silence, and doctrinal fidelity.
He has the support of cardinals who share his traditional convictions, particularly in Africa and Europe. However, the majority of cardinal electors having been created by Pope Francis, his influence could be limited compared to candidates more aligned with recent reforms.
These cardinals are aligned with the Ratzingerian line and are more conservative from a theological, moral, and pastoral point of view, while accepting the Second Vatican Council and its reforms.
Born on December 31, 1947, in Finthen, near Mainz (Germany), Gerhard Ludwig Müller was ordained a priest in 1978. He earned a doctorate in theology under the direction of Cardinal Karl Lehmann, with a thesis on Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In 1986, he became professor of dogmatic theology at Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich. (Gerhard Ludwig Müller - Wikipedia, Gerhard Ludwig Müller, Liberation Theology Interview with Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Müller)
Appointed Bishop of Regensburg in 2002 by John Paul II, he distinguished himself through his proximity to Joseph Ratzinger, the future Benedict XVI, who entrusted him with the German edition of his complete works.
In 2012, Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a position he held until 2017. He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014. (Cardinal Gerhard Müller: le pape au COE, un bon signe pour l'œcuménisme ..., Gerhard Ludwig Müller Biography - Pantheon World)
Since the end of his mandate as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Müller has become one of the main figures of the conservative current within the Catholic Church. He regularly criticizes certain orientations of Pope Francis's pontificate, particularly regarding doctrine and sacramental discipline. (Cardinal Gerhard Müller: le pape au COE, un bon signe pour l'œcuménisme ..., Gerhard Ludwig Müller)
Cardinal Müller is identified as a representative of the conservative current. He insists on fidelity to the traditional doctrine of the Church and expresses reservations about certain recent pastoral developments, particularly regarding sexual morality and sacramental discipline.
Although appointed cardinal by Francis, he is close to conservative circles, particularly in Europe and North America. However, the majority of cardinal electors having been created by Francis, his direct influence within the electoral college is limited. (Cardinal Müller: Church risks split if it elects a liberal pope)
Born on July 4, 1959, in Montevideo (Uruguay), Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet is the youngest of five siblings. Orphaned in adolescence, he was deeply influenced by Salesian spirituality, which he discovered at the John XXIII Institute in Montevideo. He entered the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians of Don Bosco) in 1979 and took his religious vows on January 31, 1980. (Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet)
After studies in civil law, philosophy, education sciences, and theology, he was ordained a priest on November 21, 1987. He then held various positions of responsibility within the Salesians in Uruguay: master of novices, director of the John XXIII Institute, professor of Church history, and then provincial of the order in 2008. In 2009, he was elected president of the Conference of Religious of Uruguay. (Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet)
On December 10, 2011, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Montevideo by Pope Benedict XVI and received episcopal consecration on March 4, 2012. On February 11, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him metropolitan archbishop of Montevideo. He was created cardinal on February 14, 2015, receiving the title of Cardinal-Priest of Santa Galla. (Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, Daniel Sturla)
Within the Roman Curia, he is a member of several dicasteries, including the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, and the Cardinal Commission of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See. (Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet)
Cardinal Sturla is generally considered conservative. He has expressed criticism of documents such as Fiducia supplicans, calling it "ambiguous, divisive, and confusing." He is also skeptical about the concept of synodality. (Who Will Be The Next Pope? - BIG C CATHOLICS)
As a member of several Roman dicasteries and an influential figure in Latin America, he has an extensive network. However, his influence within the College of Cardinals remains moderate compared to more prominent figures.
Born on September 15, 1944, in Genoa, Mauro Piacenza is one of the few European cardinals to combine a rigorous scientific training with solid theological expertise. He was ordained a priest in 1969 by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri. With a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University, he held various pastoral and academic ministries in his native diocese, including teaching dogmatic theology and the history of atheism. He also served as a judge in the ecclesiastical tribunal and as the diocesan assistant for the Ecclesial Movement for Cultural Commitment. (Mauro Piacenza, Mauro Piacenza)
In 1990, he joined the Roman Curia in the Congregation for the Clergy, where he successively served as bureau chief (1997), under-secretary (2000), and then secretary (2007). In 2003, John Paul II appointed him president of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church and titular bishop of Victoriana. He was consecrated bishop on November 15, 2003, by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. In 2004, he also became president of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology. (Mauro Piacenza)
On October 7, 2010, Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy and president of the International Council for Catechesis. He was created a cardinal on November 20, 2010, with the title of San Paolo alle Tre Fontane. In 2011, he was appointed international president of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need. (Mauro Piacenza, Mauro Piacenza)
On September 21, 2013, Pope Francis appointed him Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a position he held until April 6, 2024. On May 3, 2021, he was elevated to the order of cardinal-priests. He reached the age of 80 on September 15, 2024, thus losing his right to vote in the conclave. (Mauro Piacenza, Mauro Piacenza)
Cardinal Piacenza is considered a conservative, attached to tradition and ecclesiastical discipline. He has often warned against moral relativism and emphasized the importance of the sacrament of confession. His theological approach is centered on fidelity to the magisterium and defense of the Church's traditional values.
Network and Weight Within the College of CardinalsAlthough he was influential under Benedict XVI's pontificate, his influence has diminished under Pope Francis. His network primarily consists of conservative cardinals and prelates. However, his withdrawal from the electoral college now limits his weight in future decisions.
Born on November 15, 1947, in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Don is a prominent figure in the Asian Catholic Church. Ordained a priest in 1975, he pursued his studies in Rome, obtaining a license in biblical theology from the Pontifical Urban University. (24 Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures ...)
His ecclesiastical career is marked by an alternation between pastoral responsibilities and functions within the Roman Curia. He notably served as Assistant Secretary to the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia and East Timor. In 2005, he was appointed Secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, before being appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009. He was created cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. (Revue de presse : De quel continent viendra le prochain Pape ?, How Old Will the Next Pope Be? - National Catholic Register)
As Archbishop of Colombo, he played a central role in the religious and social life of Sri Lanka, notably calling for justice and reconciliation after the Easter 2019 attacks. He is also known for his critical positions towards certain Sri Lankan government policies.
Cardinal Ranjith is considered a conservative, particularly in liturgical and doctrinal matters. He is often associated with Pope Benedict XVI's line of thought. However, he is not perceived as a frontal opponent to Pope Francis's reforms, adopting rather a posture of discretion and fidelity to the institution.
Although he has established relationships within the Curia and among Asian cardinals, his influence seems limited compared to the more extensive networks of some other papabili. His profile could nevertheless appeal to a minority of cardinals wishing for a return to certain traditions.
Born on June 22, 1953, in Duivendrecht, Netherlands, Willem Jacobus Eijk is one of the few European cardinals to combine rigorous scientific training with solid theological expertise. Before entering the seminary, he studied medicine at the University of Amsterdam and briefly practiced as a physician. He then obtained a doctorate in medical bioethics from the University of Leiden, followed by a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.
Ordained a priest in 1985 for the diocese of Roermond, he taught medical ethics and moral theology, while serving on the board of the Dutch pro-life medical association. In 1999, he was appointed Bishop of Groningen-Leeuwarden, then in 2007, Metropolitan Archbishop of Utrecht. He was created a cardinal by Benedict XVI at the consistory of February 18, 2012. (Dutch Willem Jacobus Eijk Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty ...)
Cardinal Eijk is a member of several Roman dicasteries, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Health. He is also known for his public statements on bioethical issues, sexual morality, and doctrinal fidelity, particularly in the context of a highly secularized Dutch Church.
Cardinal Eijk is clearly identified as a representative of the conservative current. He has expressed criticism of the synodal process in Germany and of certain orientations of the Synod on Synodality, warning against the risks of doctrinal confusion and ecclesial fragmentation. He advocates for the centrality of the Roman magisterium and strict fidelity to Catholic doctrine.
Although not among the most high-profile figures in the College of Cardinals, Eijk enjoys a certain esteem among cardinals attached to tradition and doctrinal clarity. His election by Benedict XVI places him in the line of cardinals appointed for their fidelity to the magisterium. However, his influence remains limited compared to more central figures in the Curia or in major global dioceses.
Born on June 25, 1952, in Budapest, Péter Erdő is a major figure in the Hungarian Catholic Church. Ordained a priest in 1975, he was appointed Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest in 2002 and created a cardinal by John Paul II in 2003. He has also been president of the Hungarian Episcopal Conference since 2005 and presided over the Council of European Episcopal Conferences from 2006 to 2016. (Péter Erdő)
A recognized specialist in canon law, he was a professor at the Péter Pázmány Catholic University and has published numerous academic works. His theological and legal expertise has earned him notable influence within the Vatican, particularly as general rapporteur of the Synod on the Family in 2014. (Le nom des cardinaux 'papabile' qui reviennent le plus souvent, Hungary's Péter Erdő is a strong candidate to be the next pope - and that's reason to be fearful)
Multilingual, he speaks Hungarian, Italian, French, English, and Latin fluently. He is also known for his Marian devotion, particularly to Our Lady of Consolation.
Erdő is generally classified among moderate conservatives. He defends a strict interpretation of Catholic doctrine, particularly on issues of family and sexuality, while avoiding extreme positions. He has expressed reservations about expanding the rights of LGBTQ+ people and remarried divorcees within the Church. (Hungary's Péter Erdő is a strong candidate to be the next pope - and that's reason to be fearful)
Although the majority of cardinal electors have been appointed by Pope Francis, Erdő benefits from a solid network, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. His academic profile and synodal experience give him credibility among many cardinals, including those in Africa and Latin America.
Born on April 21, 1965, in Cologno al Serio, near Bergamo in Italy, Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a Franciscan who has dedicated most of his priestly life to the Holy Land. Ordained a priest in 1990 by Cardinal Giacomo Biffi, he joined the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land in 1999, where he held various positions, including superior of the Convent of Saints Simeon and Anne in Jerusalem. (Pierbattista Pizzaballa)
In 2004, he was elected Custos of the Holy Land, a role he held until 2016. During this period, he distinguished himself through his efforts in interreligious dialogue and his commitment to peace. In 2016, he was appointed apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and then became its patriarch in 2020. He was created cardinal by Pope Francis in September 2023. (Pierbattista Pizzaballa)
Pizzaballa is perceived as a moderate, avoiding both progressive and conservative extremes. This neutrality could make him acceptable to various currents within the College of Cardinals. (Le nom des cardinaux 'papabile' qui reviennent le plus souvent)
Although he was created cardinal recently, his reputation as a mediator and his experience as Patriarch of Jerusalem give him a respected stature. His international profile and commitment to peace could appeal to a College of Cardinals wishing to unify the Church around values of dialogue and reconciliation. (Cardinal Pizzaballa's Meteoric Rise to 'Papabile')
Born on January 14, 1943, in Pontevico, Italy, Angelo Bagnasco was ordained a priest on June 29, 1966, by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri. He obtained a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Genoa in 1979 and taught metaphysics and contemporary atheism at the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy until 1998. (Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco)
He was appointed Bishop of Pesaro in 1998, then promoted to Archbishop in 2000. In 2003, he became Military Ordinary for Italy, before being appointed Archbishop of Genoa in 2006. Created a cardinal by Benedict XVI in 2007, he was president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) from 2007 to 2017 and president of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) from 2016 to 2021. He retired as Archbishop of Genoa in 2020. (Angelo Cardinal Bagnasco - Catholic-Hierarchy, Angelo Bagnasco Biography - Pantheon World)
Bagnasco is considered a conservative, faithful to the doctrinal tradition of the Church. He has expressed firm positions on issues such as euthanasia, abortion, and homosexual marriage, which he described as a "Trojan horse" for society.
Although he has been an influential figure within the Italian and European Church, his current influence is limited due to his age and retirement. However, he remains respected for his experience and contribution to the Church.
Born in 1948 in Monhla, Burma (Myanmar), Charles Maung Bo joined the Salesian Society of Don Bosco and was ordained a priest in 1976. He was appointed Bishop of Lashio in 1990, then Archbishop of Yangon in 2003. In 2015, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis, thus becoming the first Burmese cardinal.
He also served as president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) from 2018 to 2022, playing a key role in coordinating the Church's pastoral and social efforts in Asia. As a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, he has worked to promote peace and reconciliation in a country marked by ethnic and religious conflicts.
Cardinal Bo is often perceived as a moderate, combining fidelity to Catholic doctrine and openness to interreligious and social dialogue. He embodies a Church engaged on issues of social justice, peace, and human rights, without adopting radical theological positions.
His role as president of the FABC has allowed him to forge close ties with many Asian bishops and cardinals. However, his direct influence within the College of Cardinals remains limited, particularly due to his low presence at the Vatican and the predominance of European and American cardinals.
Marc Ouellet was born on June 8, 1944, in La Motte, Quebec. Ordained a priest in 1968, he joined the Society of Saint Sulpice in 1972. A theologian by training, he taught in various seminaries in Canada, Colombia, and Rome. In 2001, he was appointed secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, then Archbishop of Quebec in 2002. He was created a cardinal in 2003 by John Paul II.
In 2010, Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops (now the Dicastery for Bishops), a position he held until 2023. In this capacity, he played a central role in the appointment of bishops worldwide. He was also president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
During his mandate, he vigorously defended priestly celibacy, particularly during the Synod for the Amazon in 2019, when he published the book Friends of the Bridegroom to reaffirm the importance of this discipline in the Latin Church.
Cardinal Ouellet is considered a moderate conservative. He defends traditional positions on issues such as priestly celibacy and opposes the ordination of women. However, he has also supported some of Pope Francis's reforms, particularly regarding the selection of bishops, favoring pastoral profiles close to the people.
Although he is no longer an elector, his influence remains notable due to his years as head of the Dicastery for Bishops. He has contributed to the appointment of many bishops and cardinals, giving him an extensive network within the Church. However, his recent retirement and controversies have distanced him from the current center of decisions.
Born on September 24, 1949, in Sorengo, Switzerland, to Swedish parents, Anders Arborelius grew up in Lund, in southern Sweden. Coming from a non-practicing Lutheran family, he converted to Catholicism at the age of 20, after being influenced by the Bridgettine sisters and reading the autobiography of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Two years later, he entered the Discalced Carmelites at the monastery of Norraby. He made his perpetual vows in 1977 in Bruges and was ordained a priest in 1979 in Malmö.
Holding a degree in modern languages from the University of Lund and a doctorate in theology from the Teresianum in Rome, he was appointed Bishop of Stockholm in 1998 by John Paul II, thus becoming the first Swedish Catholic bishop since the Reformation. In 2017, Pope Francis created him a cardinal, making him the first cardinal in the history of Sweden and Scandinavia.
Within the Roman Curia, he has been a member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for Eastern Churches, the Council for the Economy, and the Dicastery for Bishops. He also presided over the Scandinavian Bishops' Conference from 2005 to 2015.
Cardinal Arborelius is considered moderate, with a deep spiritual sensitivity inherited from his Carmelite formation. He emphasizes mercy, unity, and dialogue, while remaining faithful to the traditional teaching of the Church. He has expressed his discomfort with speculation about the conclave and emphasized the importance of not politicizing the papal election.
Although he is not among the most influential figures in the College of Cardinals, his participation in various dicasteries and his commitment to Christian unity give him a certain recognition. His profile as a humble and experienced pastor could appeal to cardinals looking for a transitional candidate, capable of maintaining balance within the Church.
These cardinals occupy an intermediate position, very discreet in their assertions, but who are very likely sympathetic to the "Francis Party" while maintaining some more traditional positions.
Jean-Marc Aveline was born on December 26, 1958, in Sidi Bel Abbès, French Algeria. After independence, his family settled in Marseille, where he completed his schooling. He entered the Avignon interdiocesian seminary in 1977, then continued his studies at the Carmes seminary in Paris, obtaining a double degree in theology and philosophy, as well as a master's degree in theology. In 2000, he defended a doctoral thesis entitled For a Christological Theology of Religions.
Ordained a priest on November 3, 1984, for the Archdiocese of Marseille, he held various positions related to theological training and interreligious dialogue. In 1992, he founded the Institute of Science and Theology of Religions (ISTR) in Marseille, which he directed until 2002. He was also director of the Catholic Institute of the Mediterranean and taught at the theology faculty of the Catholic University of Lyon.
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Marseille in 2013, he became Metropolitan Archbishop of Marseille in 2019. On August 27, 2022, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis, with the title of Cardinal Priest of Santa Maria ai Monti. He is a member of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
On April 2, 2025, he was elected President of the French Bishops' Conference, with his term scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025.
Cardinal Aveline is considered moderately progressive. He supports a Church open to dialogue, attentive to contemporary challenges such as migration and secularization. He embodies a balanced line between tradition and openness, in line with Pope Francis's legacy.
He enjoys the support of influential cardinals such as Jean-Claude Hollerich and Reinhard Marx. His appointment by Pope Francis and his active participation in synods strengthen his position within the College of Cardinals. Moreover, his role as President of the French Bishops' Conference gives him additional legitimacy.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu was born on January 24, 1960, in Boto, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ordained a priest in 1988 as a member of the Capuchin Order, he obtained a licentiate in moral theology at the Alphonsian Academy in Rome. He was appointed Bishop of Bokungu-Ikela in 2004 by John Paul II, then apostolic administrator of Kole in 2008. In 2016, he became Archbishop of Mbandaka-Bikoro, before being appointed coadjutor of Kinshasa in 2018, succeeding Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya. He was created cardinal by Pope Francis in October 2019. (Quién es Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, el papable que puede ser el primer papa africano en 16 siglos, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu)
Ambongo has been a member of the Council of Cardinals since 2020, a select group tasked with advising the Pope on the reform of the Roman Curia. In February 2023, he was elected president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), thus strengthening his influence on the African continent. (Le nom des cardinaux 'papabile' qui reviennent le plus souvent, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu)
He is known for his commitment to social justice, denouncing corruption, exploitation of natural resources, and foreign interference in Africa. He has also played an active role in political mediation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly during the 2018 elections. (Quién es Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, el papable que puede ser el primer papa africano en 16 siglos)
Ambongo embodies a conservative line on doctrinal and moral issues, while being progressive on social and political issues. He defends a Church rooted in African cultural realities, opposing what he considers "cultural colonization" by the West.
With his role within SECAM and the Council of Cardinals, Ambongo has a solid network, particularly among African cardinals and those sensitive to social justice issues. However, his conservative positions on certain subjects may limit his attractiveness to progressive cardinals. (Fridolin Ambongo Besungu)
Fernando Filoni was born on April 15, 1946, in Manduria, in the Puglia region of Italy. Ordained a priest in 1970, he joined the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1981. His diplomatic career led him to sensitive posts, notably in Iran during the Iran-Iraq war, in Brazil, the Philippines, and especially in Iraq, where he was apostolic nuncio from 2001 to 2006. He remained at his post even during the American invasion of 2003, earning him special recognition for his courage and pastoral commitment.
From 2007 to 2011, he was Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State, a strategic position at the heart of Vatican governance. In 2011, Benedict XVI appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a position he held until 2019. He was created a cardinal in 2012.
Since 2019, he has been Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an honorary but influential position, particularly in terms of support for Christians in the Holy Land.
Filoni is generally considered moderately conservative. He is attached to doctrinal tradition while being open to intercultural dialogues, particularly in Asia. His approach is pragmatic, centered on the Church's evangelizing mission.
His experience and past functions ensure him a certain respect among the cardinals, particularly those appointed by Benedict XVI. However, he does not seem to have a sufficiently structured support bloc to carry a strong candidacy.
Born on October 7, 1955, in Verona (Italy), Claudio Gugerotti was ordained a priest in 1982 for the Diocese of Verona. A member of the Pious Society of Don Nicola Mazza, he holds a degree in Oriental languages and literature from the University Ca' Foscari of Venice, a doctorate in Eastern ecclesiastical sciences from the Pontifical Oriental Institute, as well as a licentiate in sacred liturgy from the Pontifical Athenaeum Saint Anselm. (Brief biographies of 21 future Cardinals – FABC)
He taught patristics and Eastern liturgy at the Institute of Ecumenical Studies in Verona and at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. In 1985, he joined the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, becoming under-secretary in 1997. (Cardinal-to-be Claudio Gugerotti, expert in Eastern Europe - Aleteia)
In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him Archbishop of Ravello and Apostolic Nuncio to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. He then served as nuncio in Belarus (2011–2015), Ukraine (2015–2020), and the United Kingdom (2020–2022). In November 2022, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, a position he holds until 2025. He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis on September 30, 2023. (Claudio Gugerotti, Claudio Gugerotti, Le cardinal Claudio Gugerotti envoyé par le pape François en Syrie ...)
He is a member of several dicasteries of the Roman Curia, including those for the doctrine of the faith, bishops, Christian unity, interreligious dialogue, culture and education, legislative texts, as well as the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City.
Claudio Gugerotti is generally regarded as moderate, with a particular sensitivity to the Eastern traditions of the Church. He is seen as loyal to Pope Francis's line, especially in terms of interreligious dialogue and attention to the peripheries.
Created a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, Gugerotti enjoys the support of many cardinals appointed by Francis, who represent a majority in the electoral college. His diplomatic experience and established relationships within the Curia strengthen his network of influence.
These cardinals are favorable to Francis's reforms and wish to continue or deepen his orientation. They represent the most progressive wing of the papabili and are generally favorable to decentralization, greater inclusion, and adaptation of the Church to contemporary realities.
Kurt Koch was born on March 15, 1950, in Emmenbrücke, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. After studying theology at the University of Lucerne and at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, he obtained a licentiate in theology in 1975. He was ordained a priest on June 20, 1982, for the diocese of Basel. (Cardinal Kurt Koch - The College of Cardinals Report, Swiss Cardinal to Speak on Ecumenism | CUA, Kurt Koch)
From 1982 to 1989, he taught dogmatic and moral theology at the Catechetical Institute of Lucerne, then became professor of dogmatic and liturgical theology at the Faculty of Theology of Lucerne until his episcopal appointment. (Kurt Koch)
On August 21, 1995, he was appointed Bishop of Basel by Pope John Paul II, who personally consecrated him on January 6, 1996. He held this position until 2010. (Kurt Koch, Kurt Koch)
On July 1, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, a position he still holds. He is also president of the Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism. On November 20, 2010, he was created Cardinal-Deacon of Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore. On May 3, 2021, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal-Priest. (Kurt Koch)
Cardinal Koch is considered moderate, with a conservative sensibility on doctrinal matters, while being open to interreligious and ecumenical dialogue. He has defended religious freedom, including for Muslims in Switzerland, while calling for reciprocity in majority-Muslim countries. (Kurt Koch)
As a member of several Roman dicasteries and having participated in the 2013 conclave, he has an extensive network within the Curia and the College of Cardinals. His long experience at the Vatican strengthens his institutional credibility.
Born on January 17, 1955, in Schiavon, in the province of Vicenza (Italy), Pietro Parolin was ordained a priest in 1980. After a brief pastoral experience, he joined the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in 1983, thus beginning a diplomatic career within the Holy See. He served successively in the nunciatures in Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela, before joining the Secretariat of State in 2002.
In 2009, he was appointed apostolic nuncio to Venezuela, then, in 2013, Pope Francis appointed him as Vatican Secretary of State, a position he held until the Pope's death in April 2025. As Secretary of State, Parolin played a central role in Vatican diplomacy, particularly in the controversial agreement with China on the appointment of bishops and in the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba in 2014.
In 2014, he was created a cardinal by Pope Francis. In 2018, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal-bishop. Following the death of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Parolin became the Dean of the College of Cardinal Electors, thus presiding over the 2025 conclave.
Parolin is considered a moderate, or even a centrist. He supports Pope Francis's reforms while adopting a prudent approach on sensitive subjects. He has expressed conservative positions on homosexual marriage but has shown openness to discussing priestly celibacy and the role of women in the Church. (Politics aside for one day, world leaders to gather at Vatican and ..., Quién es Pietro Parolin, el candidato italiano que suena con más fuerza para ser el nuevo Papa de Roma)
As Dean of the College of Cardinal Electors and former Secretary of State, Parolin enjoys great visibility and an extensive network. He is respected for his ability to navigate the complexities of the Curia and to maintain stable diplomatic relations. (Conclave de 2025)
Born on October 11, 1948, in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, Peter Turkson is the fourth of a family of ten children. From a modest background, he was ordained a priest in 1975 after studies in Ghana, the United States, and Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute.
In 1992, he was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast, thus becoming the Primate of Ghana. In 2003, John Paul II created him cardinal, making him the first Ghanaian cardinal in history. He chaired the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1997 to 2005.
In 2009, Benedict XVI appointed him President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. In 2016, he became the first Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, a position he held until 2021. Since 2022, he has been Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Cardinal Turkson is generally perceived as conservative on doctrinal matters, while being engaged on social and environmental issues. He notably collaborated on Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato si', highlighting environmental and social justice.
His long career within the Roman Curia and his relationships with Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis give him a respected stature. However, he is not considered a leader of a specific group of cardinals, which could limit his direct influence during the conclave.
Stephen Brislin, born on September 24, 1956, in Welkom, South Africa, is an influential prelate of the South African Catholic Church. Of Scottish and Irish descent, he studied psychology at the University of Cape Town, philosophy at St. John Vianney Seminary in Pretoria, theology at Mill Hill Missionary Institute in London, and obtained a degree from the Catholic University of Louvain. Ordained a priest on November 19, 1983, for the diocese of Kroonstad, he was appointed bishop of the same diocese in 2006, then Archbishop of Cape Town in 2009. He held that position until October 2024, when he was transferred to the Archdiocese of Johannesburg. (Stephen Brislin)
Brislin was president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC) from 2013 to 2019 and president of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) from 2012 to 2016. He was created a cardinal by Pope Francis at the consistory of September 30, 2023, receiving the title of Cardinal-Priest of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello. He is also a member of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints since October 2023. (Stephen Brislin)
Brislin is considered a moderate, aligned with Pope Francis's pastoral vision. He supported open approaches during the family synods, while remaining faithful to doctrine. His episcopate is marked by attention to social issues and justice, without adopting radical positions. (Stephen Brislin)
As president of the SACBC and IMBISA, Brislin has forged strong ties with the bishops of Southern Africa. His recent elevation to the cardinalate and his appointment to Johannesburg enhance his stature. However, his influence remains primarily regional, and he will have to rely on the support of cardinals who share his pastoral vision to hope to be elected. (Stephen Brislin)
Born on June 21, 1957, in Manila, Philippines, Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is a major figure in the Asian Catholic Church. Ordained a priest in 1982, he was appointed Bishop of Imus in 2001, then Archbishop of Manila in 2011. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI created him cardinal.
In December 2019, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. With the entry into force of the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium in 2022, this congregation was integrated into the new Dicastery for Evangelization, where Tagle served as pro-prefect of the section for first evangelization and new particular Churches.
Tagle also served as president of Caritas Internationalis from 2015 to 2023. However, in November 2022, the Vatican announced a reorganization of Caritas, citing "real deficiencies" in management, which led to the end of his mandate at the head of the organization.
In February 2024, he was elevated to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honor by France, in recognition of his commitment to international solidarity.
Tagle is generally perceived as progressive, aligned with Pope Francis's reforms. He supports an inclusive pastoral approach, emphasizing mercy, interreligious dialogue, and social engagement.
Having been appointed cardinal by Benedict XVI and having held key positions under Francis's pontificate, Tagle benefits from cross-cutting recognition within the College of Cardinals. His active participation in synods and his role at the Vatican strengthen his visibility and influence.
Born on December 15, 1965, in Machico, on the island of Madeira, Portugal, José Tolentino de Mendonça was ordained a priest on July 28, 1990. With a doctorate in biblical theology, he distinguished himself through a notable academic and literary career, publishing works of poetry, essays, and theater. (José Tolentino de Mendonça)
In 2011, he became a consultant to the Pontifical Council for Culture. In June 2018, Pope Francis appointed him Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church, and he was consecrated as the titular bishop of Suava on July 28, 2018. On October 5, 2019, he was created a cardinal-deacon of Santi Domenico e Sisto. (Profiles of Pope Francis' New Cardinals - National Catholic Register, José Tolentino de Mendonça)
On September 26, 2022, he was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, a strategic position within the Roman Curia. He is also a member of several important dicasteries, including those for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Causes of Saints, Bishops, Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, as well as the Doctrine of the Faith. (José Tolentino de Mendonça)
Cardinal Tolentino de Mendonça is considered one of the most progressive papabili, advocating for an open, dialoguing Church attentive to contemporary realities. (José Tolentino de Mendonça)
He benefits from the support of the Community of Sant'Egidio, influential in progressive ecclesiastical circles. His proximity to Pope Francis and his responsibilities within the Curia strengthen his network and influence. (José Tolentino de Mendonça)
Born in Rome on October 11, 1955, Matteo Maria Zuppi is the fifth of six children from a family deeply rooted in the Catholic Church. His father was a journalist at L'Osservatore Romano and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, former Dean of the College of Cardinals. He was ordained a priest in 1981 after studies in theology at the Pontificia Università Lateranense and in literature at La Sapienza University in Rome.
Zuppi served for 19 years as vicar and then parish priest of the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a nerve center of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a lay movement engaged in interreligious dialogue and peace mediation. He played a key role in the negotiations leading to the Rome Peace Accords in 1992, ending the civil war in Mozambique.
In 2012, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Rome by Benedict XVI, then Archbishop of Bologna in 2015 by Pope Francis. The latter created him cardinal in 2019 and appointed him president of the Italian Episcopal Conference in 2022.
In 2023, Pope Francis designated him as a special envoy for peace in Ukraine, a mission that led him to meet with officials in Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington to promote humanitarian solutions and diplomatic dialogue.
Zuppi is considered a progressive cardinal, aligned with Pope Francis's priorities: attention to the poor, interreligious dialogue, integral ecology, and pastoral openness. He supports a synodal and inclusive Church, while respecting doctrinal tradition.
As a major figure in the Italian Church and close to Pope Francis, Zuppi has a solid network among the cardinals appointed by the latter. His influence also extends through his international engagements and his role in diplomatic missions.
