Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and one of the most transformative leaders in modern Catholic history, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican officially confirmed on Monday. His passing on Easter Monday comes just a day after his surprise final public appearance, where he greeted over 35,000 faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square, following his recent recovery from a severe case of double pneumonia.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been battling chronic health issues throughout his later years but remained an active global moral voice until the end. His death marks the beginning of the Interregnum, a solemn period when the Vatican prepares to elect his successor.
What Happens Next: The Conclave and the Search for a New Pope
With the papal seat now vacant (Sede Vacante), the governance of the Catholic Church temporarily falls to the College of Cardinals. A conclave will soon be convened inside the Sistine Chapel, where eligible cardinals will gather under strict secrecy to elect the next head of the Church.
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While technically any baptized Roman Catholic man can be chosen as pope, the tradition has long favored cardinals. Out of the current 253 cardinals, 138 are eligible to vote, following a December 2024 reform by Pope Francis that raised the electoral ceiling from 120.
Who Could Be the Next Pope? Top Contenders Revealed
As the world watches, several high-profile candidates have emerged as frontrunners to succeed Pope Francis:
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70 (Italy)
The Vatican’s longtime Secretary of State and one of Francis’ closest confidants, Parolin is widely seen as a candidate who could continue Francis’ legacy while providing stable and seasoned leadership.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65 (Democratic Republic of Congo)
A vocal African conservative and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Besungu gained attention for rejecting Francis’ Fiducia supplicans doctrine, which permitted blessings for unmarried and same-sex couples.
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Cardinal Wim Eijk, 71 (Netherlands)
A former medical doctor turned cardinal under Pope Benedict XVI, Eijk is known for his hardline conservative positions, including opposition to Francis’ more pastoral stance on civil remarriages and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72 (Hungary)
Respected for his deep theological grounding, Erdo is a conservative figure with strong ties to traditional Catholic doctrine, especially around marriage and communion.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67 (Philippines)
Often referred to as the “Asian Pope Francis,” Tagle’s inclusive worldview, especially toward the LGBTQ+ community and divorcees, marks him as a progressive choice with global appeal. If elected, he would become the first pope from Asia.
Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76 (USA)
An outspoken critic of Pope Francis’ liberal reforms, Burke represents the Church’s most conservative wing. Known for his devotion to the Latin Mass and his critique of modern social doctrines, his election would signal a sharp return to tradition.
Cardinal Mario Grech, 67 (Malta)
As Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has advocated for compassion and inclusion, particularly toward marginalized groups, aligning him closely with Francis’ vision for the Church.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69 (Italy)
A close ally of Francis and a peacemaker on the international stage, Zuppi’s diplomatic work — including a Vatican peace mission to Ukraine and a visit to U.S. President Joe Biden — has positioned him as a respected moderate with global credibility.
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The Legacy of Pope Francis
Francis’ death closes a historic chapter in Vatican history. The Argentine pontiff broke centuries of European dominance, championed climate action, stood up for the marginalized, and ushered in a new era of humility and accessibility within the Catholic Church. His papacy marked an ideological shift that some candidates aim to preserve, while others are poised to steer the Church back toward more conservative orthodoxy.
As the bells toll in Vatican City and the faithful mourn across continents, the world now awaits the decision of the conclave — a choice that will shape the direction of the Catholic Church for generations.
