10 serious candidates to be elected pope at conclave

Aged just 60, the Patriarch of Jerusalem is much younger than the other postulants, being the favorite of the conclave’s decision-makers. Observed as a figure of peace, he was much in demand by Pope Francis during his lifetime, given his diplomatic skills.

If the conclave were to turn to Africa, this native of Ghana would certainly be the number one candidate. He had been strongly considered in 2013, before the election of Pope Francis. He would be the first African since the fifth century to become Pope, as the Catholic religion gains ground on this continent.

Considered the leading candidate to become Pope, 70-year-old Cardinal Parolin is the most senior member of the electoral conclave, having been the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013. He is the front-runner, but not a certainty.

At 67 candles, he became only the seventh Filipino to become a Cardinal, and would be the very first Asian Pope, should he be chosen as the lucky one. He is probably the most liberal of the men considered for the post, and shares many similarities with the most recent pope.

This leading contender is 69 years old, being the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference since May 2022. He has been a cardinal since 2019, as well as being identified as a figure of peace. He lent his voice positively for the support of the LGBTQ community, in 2018, visibly encouraging open-mindedness.

another African papabile candidate, the 79-year-old was an important ally of Pope Benedict. He has been an important Vatican actor since 2001, having multiplied his experience with the Catholic Church over the years. He is seen as “anti-LGBTQ”, advocating very conservative values.

the 69-year-old is seen as the front-runner among North American candidates, although popular opinion suggests that Europe will once again come to the fore when it comes to appointing a new head of state for the Vatican. As North America’s largest archdiocese, he is considered by many to be an obscure contender.

The 66-year-old Frenchman is currently Archbishop of Marseille, and was seen as the ideal replacement for Pope Francis, not least because of his loyal support for the recently deceased’s agenda. And although he sports a rather liberal style, he is also seen as a man who advocates consensus.

And to round off the African line-up, the 65-year-old Archbishop of Kinshasa and head of the Church of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is regularly nominated to replace Pope Francis, being one of the youngest papabiles. He is a positive figure when it comes to spreading the Catholic religion on African soil, and encourages conservative and traditional values.

The 72-year-old Hungarian is among the favorites, especially for the more conservative side of the Church, and is likely to be Cardinal Parolin’s main opponent in the first votes of the conclave. He has been Cardinal since 2003, having received the title from John Paul II.