Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal crossroads as it prepares for a new era of leadership. As the first pope from Latin America, Francis left a lasting impact by championing social justice, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive vision of the Church.

Now, the College of Cardinals is set to convene at the Vatican for a conclave that will not only select the next spiritual leader of 1.37 billion Catholics but also influence the Church’s path on doctrine, transparency, and its engagement with the global faithful.

Among the most talked-about contenders are ten prominent churchmen from around the globe, reflecting the Church’s diversity and evolving priorities.

From progressive voices like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines to Vatican diplomat Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy, the field includes a mix of reformists and conservatives.

Notably, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana also stands out, carrying hopes for Africa’s growing Catholic population and a papacy rooted in social justice and global inclusivity.

Here, according to The Nation, are Cardinals who might be the next Pope:

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)

Age: 76

Roles:

Head, Pontifical Academies of Sciences

Former Prefect, Dicastery for Integral Human Development

Former President, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

Profile: Influential in issues of social justice, climate, and African Church development.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Age: 67

Titles/Roles:

Cardinal-Bishop of San Felice da Cantalice a Centocelle (pro hac vice)

President, Catholic Biblical Federation

Grand Chancellor, Pontifical Urbaniana University

Member of several Roman Curia departments

Profile: Popular progressive voice, known for pastoral charisma, evangelization, and close ties to Pope Francis.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

Age: 70

Roles:

Secretary of State (since 2013)

Member, Council of Cardinals (since 2014)

Profile: Vatican’s top diplomat, moderate in theology, deeply embedded in Curia politics.

Cardinal Péter Erd? (Hungary)

Age: 72

Roles:

Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest

Primate of Hungary (since 2003)

Profile: Leading conservative theologian, canon law expert, seen as a guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (USA)

Age: 76

Roles:

Former Archbishop of St. Louis

Former Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (2008–2014)

Patron, Sovereign Military Order of Malta (2014–2023)

Profile: Vocal critic of Pope Francis, staunch traditionalist, well-known in conservative circles.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Age: 69

Role:

Archbishop of Bologna (since 2015)

Profile: Seen as a bridge-builder, linked to the Sant’Egidio Community, with progressive leanings and a reputation for diplomacy and dialogue.

Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk (Netherlands)

Age: 71

Roles:

Archbishop of Utrecht (since 2007)

Background: Medical doctor and moral theologian

Profile: Conservative, bioethics expert, outspoken on traditional Church teachings.

Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta)

Age: 68

Role:

Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops (since 2020)

Profile: Central to Pope Francis’s synodal reform, regarded as a thoughtful moderate with strong administrative capabilities.

Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy)

Age: 83 (not eligible to vote in the conclave)

Roles:

Archbishop of Milan (2011–2017)

Former Patriarch of Venice

Profile: Philosopher-theologian, long-time papal contender with traditional roots.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy)

Age: 59

Role:

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem (since 2020)

Profile: Expert on interfaith relations in the Holy Land, Franciscan background, rising profile in recent years.