On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV
. However, leading candidates prior to the election included:
- Pietro Parolin: He is seen as a moderate and has served as Francis' secretary of state since 2013
- Luis Antonio Tagle: Known as the "Asian Francis", Tagle is known for his missionary work and care for the poor
- Pierbattista Pizzaballa: He is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and is respected for his ability to create connections across divides in the region
- Peter Turkson: Turkson is from Ghana and has progressive views on climate and migration issues
- Matteo Zuppi: The president of the Italian bishops conference, Zuppi is known as a "street priest" who wants a more modern church
- Péter Erdő: The archbishop of Budapest, Erdő embraces the more traditional leanings of previous popes
