Pope Francis is no longer: Who will become the next leader of the Catholic Church?

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, said in a video statement Monday that he often ruled with division and tension when he tried to overhaul the hidden institution.

He was 88 years old and survived a severe double pneumonia.

Francis’ death comes as the pope extended his public appearance for the first time since he was discharged from hospitalization on March 23 with pneumonia.
Please read also: Pope Francis dies the day after Easter and returns to “father’s home”

On Easter Sunday, shortly after noon, Francis entered a popular outdoor music St. Peter’s Square to greet the cheering crowd. He also provided special blessings for the first time since Christmas.

Leaders around the world, including Prime Minister Modi, responded to the death of the pope, his efforts to serve the poor and the oppressed and provide sympathy to the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.Please read also: Pope Francis dies. The tradition of secret gatherings, black and white smoke, and other Catholic church leaders who will elect the Pope’s death, many are questioning who might be next.

Who will be the next pope?

As of January 22, 2025, the Conference Regulations pointed out that of the 252 cardinals, only 138 voters were eligible to participate. According to the Independent, the age limit requires that only Cardinals under 80 can vote in a confidential voting process held at Sistine Church.

Please read also: Who are the four Indian cardinals who are eligible to vote for the next Catholic chief?

The voting process consists of four rounds per day until the candidate secures a two-thirds majority. According to the website of the American Catholic Bishops, the election process is usually extended by 15 to 20 days.

Several prominent cardinals are considered potential successors, including:

• Cardinal Patro Palorin – Vatican Secretary of State
• Cardinal Peter Erdö – Chairman of the European Bishops’ Council
• Cardinal Peter Tookson (Ghana) – Former Director of the Justice and Peace Council
• Cardinal Luis Tagle – Governor of the Evangelism and Archbishop of Manila
• Bishop Matteo Zuppi – President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference since May 2022
• Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke- Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI 2010
• Other potential candidates include Cardinals, Gerhard Muller, Angelo Scola, Angelo Bagnasco, Raymond Burke, Robert Sarah and Malcolm Ranjith.

(with TOI input)