As The Roman Catholic Church Expect the New Pope 

By Oru Leonard

The new Pope is expected to be chosen from a pool of 135 electors, all cardinals under the age of 80. Let’s take a look at some potential candidates listed by italystart com:

–Top Contenders:

– Péter Erdö: A cardinal from Hungary known for his conservative views, yet able to appeal to progressives. His experience as president of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe makes him a strong candidate.

    – Mario Grech: A Maltese cardinal and secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has been instrumental in shaping the Catholic Church’s stance on various issues. His youth might be an advantage, but some might see him as too inexperienced.

    – Pietro Parolin: As the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin holds significant influence. However, his lack of pastoral experience could be a drawback.

– Conservative Favorites:

    – Robert Sarah: A cardinal from Guinea, Sarah is known for his strong conservative views. He’s been a vocal critic of liberal ideologies and might appeal to traditionalists within the Church.

    – Wilhelm Christoph Schönborn: Although not discussed in detail here, Schönborn’s experience and conservative leanings might make him a dark horse candidate.

– Progressive Hopefuls:

    – Matteo Zuppi: An Italian cardinal and head of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Zuppi is seen as progressive and has been involved in peace efforts in Ukraine. His relatively young age and lack of extensive experience might impact his chances.

    – Luis Antonio Tagle: A dynamic cardinal from the Philippines, Tagle has held key positions in the Vatican and has a strong political profile. However, his youth and perceived ambition might raise concerns.

– Other Potential Candidates:

    – Peter Turkson: A cardinal from Ghana, Turkson has been a prominent figure in interfaith dialogue. His progressive views on social issues might appeal to some, but others might see him as too liberal.

The election of the new Pope will likely be influenced by various factors, including the cardinals’ views on doctrine, their experience, and their ability to lead the Church in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, the chosen candidate will need to balance tradition and progress to guide the Catholic Church forward.

What happens between the death of the Pope until a new Pope is elected 

When a Pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period known as a “sede vacante,” or “vacant seat.” During this time, the College of Cardinals takes charge and oversees the governance of the Church. Here’s a brief overview of what happens:

– *Sede Vacante*: The period between the death or resignation of a Pope and the election of a new one.

– *College of Cardinals*: The College of Cardinals, led by the Dean, assumes responsibility for governing the Church during this period.

– *Conclave*: The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave, where they vote on a new Pope. The conclave is a secretive process, and the cardinals are isolated from the outside world until a new Pope is elected.

– *Two-thirds Majority*: To be elected Pope, a candidate needs to receive two-thirds of the votes from the cardinals.

– *Habemus Papam*: Once a new Pope is elected, the Dean of the College of Cardinals announces the news to the world with the famous Latin phrase “Habemus Papam,” meaning “We have a Pope.”

During the sede vacante, the Church is led by the College of Cardinals, and they make decisions on routine matters. However, no significant changes or reforms are typically made until a new Pope is elected.

The conclave process is steeped in tradition and secrecy, ensuring that the cardinals can make their decision without external influence. Once the new Pope is elected, they will choose a papal name and begin their ministry as the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

When is a new Pope elected after the burial of dead?

A new Pope is typically elected 15 to 20 days after the previous Pope’s death. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

– *Burial and Mourning Period*: The Pope’s burial usually occurs 4 to 6 days after death, with a 9-day mourning period known as Novemdiales.

– *Sede Vacante*: After the Pope’s death, the College of Cardinals takes charge, and no major decisions are made until a new Pope is elected.

– *Conclave*: The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave, where they vote on a new Pope. The election requires a two-thirds majority, and the cardinals are isolated from the outside world until a decision is made.

– *Election and Announcement*: Once a new Pope is elected, white smoke signals the decision to the world, followed by the announcement “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) from the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Given that Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, the conclave would likely take place around May 5-10, 2025. However, the exact date may vary depending on various factors.

Cover Photo Credit: France 24