Predicting who the next Pope might be is often a difficult mission. "He who enters the conclave as Pope leaves it as a cardinal," goes an old Italian saying, warning that it is wrong to invest faith or money in a particular candidate.
And yet there are several names that have begun to be discussed as possible successors to Pope Francis. One of them is Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a Vatican diplomat who is seen as a compromise candidate between progressives and conservatives.
The 70-year-old has served as a church diplomat for most of his life, and has been secretary of state since 2013, the year Francis was elected. The position is similar to that of a prime minister, and secretaries general are often considered to be the pope's deputies.
Another controversial Italian is the Archbishop of Bologna, Matteo Zuppi, known for his strong diplomatic skills, who rides a bicycle around the city where he lives.
Another name in the running is Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72. If elected, he would undoubtedly be a compromise candidate, someone from the conservative camp who has nevertheless built bridges with Francis' progressive world. He was considered a contender in the last conclave in 2013 thanks to his extensive contacts in Europe and Africa and also because he was seen as a pioneer of the new Evangelicalism.
Cardinal Mario Grech, from Malta, is seen as a possible candidate. The 68-year-old comes from the smallest country in the EU, but has achieved great things since the beginning, being appointed by the Pope as secretary general of the Synod of Archbishops, a powerful position in the Vatican. Initially seen as a conservative, Grech has become a supporter of Francis' reforms.
Another name that has been mentioned is Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the archbishop of Barcelona. The 79-year-old has been a man close to Francis' heart. With a gentle nature, he lives a simple life dedicated to the Church, promoting social justice and embracing an inclusive and compassionate vision of the Church.
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim, often called the 'Francis of Asia' because of his similar commitment to social injustices, is also tipped as a contender.
Meanwhile, 76-year-old Peter Turkson from Ghana, who would be the first black pope in centuries, has been vocal on issues such as the climate crisis, poverty and economic injustice while affirming the Church's traditional positions on homosexuality, the priesthood and marriage between a man and a woman. (A2 Televizion)
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