VATICAN CITY — Red-hatted cardinals gathered in solemn anticipation Monday to set the date for the next conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.
With the conclave scheduled for May 7, the world’s attention is turning toward five key figures — and for the first time, there’s real momentum behind an African pope.
The field is wide open and historic, with candidates from beyond Europe gaining serious attention. As Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo told El Pais in an interview published Sunday (April 27):
“I believe that if Francis has been the pope of surprises, this conclave will be too, as it is not at all predictable.”
Unlike previous elections, many cardinals attending the 2025 conclave are meeting for the first time, underscoring the Church’s growing diversity under Pope Francis’s global appointments.
British bookmakers William Hill currently list the following as the top five favourites:
Top 5 contenders for the Papacy:
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
As Francis’s Secretary of State, Parolin has been deeply involved in Vatican diplomacy, handling delicate global crises. His long administrative experience positions him as a figure of continuity and stability — an appealing choice in turbulent times.
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Known as the “Asian Francis,” Tagle combines humility, charisma, and strong theological credentials. Vatican expert Richard Raho notes:
“He was the Archbishop of Manila, and he is now the prefect of the congregation for evangelisation.”
His Asian roots and pastoral style align with the Church’s ongoing shift toward the Global South.
3. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
A strong voice for environmental justice, Turkson has led efforts after Pope Francis’s encyclical “Laudato si’, according to Raho:
“Cardinal Peter Turkson was at the forefront of Francis’s environmental efforts.”
Previously the Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Turkson new heads the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences.
4. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy)
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa has navigated religious and political complexities in the Holy Land, making him a strong candidate to bridge divides in the global Church.
5. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)
Known for his conservative theological positions and deep spirituality, Cardinal Sarah previously led the Congregation for Divine Worship. His election would mark a profound shift toward — and bring Africa to the centre of Catholic leadership.
A turning point for the church
Fewer than half of the voting cardinals are European, reflecting Francis’s push to globalise Church leadership. Vatican historian Roberto Regoli stresses:
“To find someone who knows how to forge greater unity.”
Inside the Sistine Chapel, cardinals will vote up to four times daily under strict secrecy until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority.
According to Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, discussions have been marked by:
“a more spiritual than political or combative climate.”
Meanwhile, Catholics worldwide, like Filipino pilgrim Ricardo Cruz, hope simply for:
“the right pope.”
Vatican expert Richard Raho predicts the conclave could last four to five days:
“Francis was elected on the third day. However, everything can change,”
“We know that during the nine cardinal consistories Francis held during his pontificate, he expanded the group of cardinals from the Global South. Now it has become the main player in the conclave — mainly Asia and Africa.”
This conclave could truly usher in a new global era for the Catholic Church.
For more updates and global news shaping our world, visit NOWinSA — Stories Shaping South Africa Today.
