As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, cardinals are traveling from around the globe in preparation of electing a successor. CNN’s Ben Wedeman goes through the candidates in line to be the next Pope.

Vatican City

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

As the Vatican prepares for the conclave to elect a new Pope following the passing of Pope Francis, cardinals from around the globe are gathering in anticipation of this significant event. Prominent candidates include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the current Vatican Secretary of State, who is recognized for his diplomatic skills. His efforts include mending relations between the Holy See and China and visiting conflict-ridden regions such as Ukraine. Cardinal Parolin, however, has previously opposed the Trump administration's Gaza plan, potentially leading to tensions.

Cardinal Fridolin Mbongo Busungo from the Democratic Republic of Congo also emerges as a key candidate. Known for his steadfast advocacy for democracy and human rights, Cardinal Mbongo stands as a moral figure of influence in his region. His leadership extends to overseeing a substantial local church comprising over 7 million followers, reflecting the growing influence of the church in Africa.

Another potential candidate is Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States. Despite historical reluctance to elect a U.S. pope due to America's global influence, Cardinal Prevost's extensive work in Peru and leadership of the Vatican office for bishop appointments make him a contender worth consideration. 

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, often referred to as the "Asian Francis," is regarded as highly charismatic. With leadership experience in the Vatican's Department of Evangelization and the church's charitable arm, he embodies the church's focus on regions where it is expanding, particularly in Asia. Despite these notable contenders, the conclave's final decision remains uncertain, as past events have shown that favorites are not always selected.



Vatican gets ready for the conclave

One of the top candidates to succeed Francis is the man who served as his second-in-command, the current Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. From visiting war-torn Ukraine to brokering a deal that saw the Holy See mend ties with China, the 70-year-old Italian is seen as a skilled diplomat and a conciliatory figure who could appeal to both conservatives and progressives. His election, however, could lead to clashes with the Trump administration as he has rebuked the U.S. president's Gaza plan. Another top contender is Cardinal Fridolin Mbongo Busungo of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A strong defender of democracy and human rights, Mbongo has been cardinal since 2019. I am happy. I am aware of the responsibility this appointment brings. That responsibility has seen him stand up to warlords and corrupt leaders, becoming a respected moral voice. The 65-year-old is also the leader of a massive local church of more than 7 million people, and represents the growing church in Africa. A surprise candidate may be Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States. America's global influence has made electors shy away from choosing a U.S. pope in the past, but the 69-year-old from Chicago spent many years working in Peru, before leading the powerful Vatican office for bishop appointments, and he shouldn't be ruled out. The top contender, though, may hail from one of the corners of the globe where the church has been growing, and few cardinals are as charismatic as Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, often dubbed the Asian Francis. We believe that Jesus is alive, and he was born and he ministered, he died, and rose from the dead in Asia. The 67-year-old led the church's charitable arm, as well as the Vatican Department of Evangelization, and he may be well positioned as the church pivots towards parts of the world where it's expanding. Still it's impossible to say which, if any, of these candidates will be chosen. If there's anything we can glean from past conclaves, it's that usually the favorites don't get picked.

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Pope Francis Dies