The front runners to be the next pope following the death of Pope Francis are primarily:
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): The Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is seen as the leading continuity candidate with vast diplomatic experience and deep knowledge of Vatican workings. He is considered a conservative but pragmatic figure and is expected to preside over the 2025 conclave
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Known as the "Asian Francis," Tagle is a progressive candidate emphasizing social justice, inclusivity for LGBTQ+ and divorced Catholics, and missionary work. He has a strong following among reform-minded cardinals and represents the growing Church in Asia and the Global South
Other notable contenders include:
- Cardinal Robert Prevost (USA): A missionary and archbishop with strong ties to Latin America, recently appointed prefect of the Vatican dicastery for bishops. His American background is unusual for a pope but he has been favored by Pope Francis
- Cardinal Peter Erdő (Hungary): A traditionalist yet respected figure who could unify conservatives and liberals within the Church. He is seen as a compromise candidate among conservatives
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Known as a "street priest" and missionary, Zuppi is inclusive and focused on modernization and peace efforts. Seen as a potential compromise candidate
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France) and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy): Viewed as compromise candidates if the conclave is divided, both have pastoral and balanced profiles
- Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada) and Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea): More conservative candidates, with Ouellet having a long tenure in Vatican leadership and Sarah representing a doctrinal traditionalist stance, though Sarah's chances are diminished due to past controversies
Overall, the conclave is unpredictable, but the main race is seen as between Pietro Parolin, representing continuity and diplomacy, and Luis Tagle, representing progressive reform and global outreach
