The next pope, who are the main contenders?

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is preparing for a transition that will determine its direction for the foreseeable future. As the first Latin American pope, Francis brought about major changes in his role as Bishop of Rome, focusing on social justice, environmental issues, and a more inclusive Church.

Now, the College of Cardinals is preparing to gather at the Vatican for a conclave that will elect the next leader of the world's 1.37 billion Catholics, writes A2 CNN. Will the next pope continue Francis' progressive reforms, or will the cardinals turn towards theological conservatism? The answer will become clear when the white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel.

Francis' influence on the choice of successor

The next pope will inherit a Church shaped by Francis' appointments and reforms. His tenure included major structural changes, including the decentralization of power in the Vatican and the appointment of more non-European cardinals than any of his predecessors.

However, his style of governance has left the College of Cardinals in a precarious position. “He elected the majority of the cardinals who have the right to vote,” Ulrich Lehner, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame, told NewsWeek. “But his approach to governance, characterized by unilateral decisions without consultation with the College of Cardinals, has made it difficult to build interpersonal relationships among them.”

A key issue for the conclave will be how Francis handled the sexual abuse scandal, which has divided Church leaders. “Most importantly,” Lehner added, “is whether voters can have confidence that the person they choose is not a sexual abuser who could be exposed later.”

According to Michelle Dillon, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of New Hampshire, “Francis has consistently tried to bring more transparency and professionalism.” However, she notes that some cardinals remain skeptical of his openness to lay engagement, fearing that the Church could lose its unique identity.

Who are the main candidates?

As speculation mounts, several senior cardinals have emerged as the strongest contenders. According to Vatican watchers and betting companies, these are the leading candidates:

Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

The highest-ranking candidate is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, who is seen as a strong candidate to continue Pope Francis' progressive agenda. A supporter of inclusion and evangelization, Tagle has extensive experience leading the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and has been a trusted figure in Francis' inner circle.

"The fact that over 100 of the potential electors have been appointed by Francis could have a major impact on the final outcome," said Cristina Traina, a professor at Northwestern University.

His Asian affiliation also makes him an attractive choice, as Catholicism is growing significantly on this continent, especially in the Philippines.

Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is one of the Vatican's most experienced officials. As Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, he has played a key role in diplomatic relations, including delicate negotiations with China and Middle Eastern countries.

Parolin is seen as a theologically moderate candidate who could offer stability while preserving some of Francis' reforms.

Peter Turkson (Ghana)

Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, is known for his commitment to social justice issues. As the former head of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, he has been outspoken on issues such as climate change, poverty and economic justice.

His election would be a historic moment as the first African Pope, although this is a matter of debate. Before him, Pope Gregory I, who served from 492 to 496 AD, is considered the first African Pope by some, but others argue that he was Roman.

Peter Erdő (Hungary)

A prominent conservative candidate, Cardinal Peter Erdő, 72, has odds of 6:1. A renowned scholar of canon law, Erdő has been a staunch defender of traditional Catholic doctrine. He previously headed the Council of European Bishops' Conferences.

For those seeking a return to the conservatism of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Erdő would represent a major departure from Francis' approach.

Angelo Scola (Italy)

Cardinal Angelo Scola, 82, is an early contender for the papacy. He was among the frontrunners in the 2013 conclave that ultimately elected Pope Francis. Scola, the former Archbishop of Milan, has deep theological roots and appeals to those who support a more centralized and hierarchical Church.

His traditionalist approach makes him a strong candidate for those who want a departure from Francis' reforms, but his age could be an obstacle.

What happens now?

The papal conclave usually begins 15 to 20 days after the death of a pope. This allows time for funeral rites, a nine-day mourning period called novemdiales, and for cardinals from around the world to travel to the Vatican. The outcome will remain uncertain until a pope is elected behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel.

The next Pope will inherit a Church at a crossroads, with declining influence in Europe and North America, growth in the global South, and ongoing internal debates about its future. (A2 Televizion)