By Currents News
Guided by God and the Holy Spirit, 133 men will be part of the next conclave.
They are sworn to secrecy, meaning the world won’t know who they pick until the white smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel and the next successor of Saint Peter is introduced to the world.
Catholics around the world have been talking about some of the cardinals they think could be the next pope.
The top contender is Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Italian served as Secretary of State under Pope Francis and often filled in for the pontiff in diplomatic endeavors, such as meeting heads of state.
Cardinal Parolin has also overseen key Vatican efforts, such as the Holy See’s deal with China over bishop nominations, and the Vatican’s efforts to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Another lead in the papal race is Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle, who could become the first Asian pontiff.
Cardinal Tagle has previously served as the president of the Catholic charity Caritas Internationalis and was the head of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Vatican’s missionary department.
Another papal first would be Cardinal Peter Turkson, who could be the first Black pope.
The Ghanaian red hat served as the prefect of the Department for the Service of the Integral Human Development and is currently the chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences.
Cardinal Péter Erdő is also a name being mentioned. The Hungarian prelate was one of the initiators and co-presidents of the Catholic-Orthodox European Forum.
He has participated in all the assemblies of the Synod of Bishops since 2003 and has published 250 articles and 25 books on canon law, plus a number of cultural and spiritual works.
Another much-talked-about name is Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who serves as the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
Pope Francis also chose Cardinal Zuppi to be his peace envoy for the war in Ukraine and the cardinal-priest of the Sant’Egidio Community, a worldwide movement of laypeople.
These are just some of the names being mentioned as possible picks for the next pope, but there are plenty of others that are being talked about in Catholic circles.
Ultimately, the next Holy Father can come from any of the 133 candidates; only the cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel know how they will vote.