What to Know Concerning the Conclave to Select Pope Francis’ Successor

The loss of life of Pope Francis final month on the age of 88 set off grief and mourning around the globe — together with a posh course of to discover a successor.

Who’re the highest contenders?

Consultants say there isn’t a single front-runner, however a number of names have been cited. It’s very troublesome to foretell who will probably be chosen: Earlier than the number of Pope Francis in 2013, many bookmakers didn’t depend him among the many front-runners.

One large query is whether or not a successor to Francis ought to push ahead or roll again the adjustments he made to the church. Lots of the contenders are aligned with Francis, although some are extra progressive or conservative.

• One big-name candidate is Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, who was Francis’ second-in-command and who might have the assist of the Curia, because the Vatican paperwork is understood.

• Others are thought-about extra charismatic, like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who is usually known as the “Asian Francis.”

The following pope technically doesn’t should be among the many cardinals who can vote. However he’ll virtually definitely come from the conclave’s citizens.

How is a brand new pope chosen?

Francis’ successor will probably be chosen by cardinals on the conclave that begins on Might 7. Cardinals, often called the “princes of the church,” rank just under the pope within the Roman Catholic Church; collectively, they’re often called the School of Cardinals. When a pope dies, the faculty chooses a successor.

There are presently 252 cardinals. Solely these beneath the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and there are 135 of them, the biggest quantity within the church’s historical past. Pope Francis appointed about 80 p.c of them.