Who Will Be the New Pope?

Who Will Be the New Pope? Understand the Behind the Scenes of the Conclave and the Political Influence Behind the Choice of Francis' Successor

A Historic Moment That Decide the Future of the Church

Certainly, the death of the Pope Francis marks not only the end of a pontificate, but also the beginning of one of the most solemn and mysterious events in Catholicism: the election of the new leader of the Church.

Thus, the world turns its eyes to Vatican, as cardinals from around the world prepare to participate in the Conclave, a process that will define who will occupy the Throne of Peter.

Therefore, to understand who will be the new Pope, it is essential to know how the Conclave works, the required criteria, the political backstage and the names most likely to take command of more than 1.3 billion faithful spread throughout the world.

How does the Process of Choosing a New Pope Work?

The Conclave: Where History Happens

At first, the Conclave it is a closed meeting that takes place at Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican.
However, only cardinals with less than 80 years old participate in the vote, as established by current papal norms.

The cardinals are then sworn to absolute secrecy and are literally isolated from the outside world.
Therefore, cell phones, internet, radios and any means of communication are prohibited.

Soon after, voting begins.
Thus, in each round, the cardinals write the name of the chosen candidate on a ballot, which is deposited in a special ballot box.

However, only when a candidate reaches two thirds of the valid votes he is declared Pope.
If this does not happen within the first three days, the cardinals take a break for prayer and reflection, then return to the sessions.

Minimum Requirements to Be Elected Pope

After all, any baptized man can be elected.
However, in practice, the chosen one is usually a cardinal who is already well-known, respected and has great influence in the Church.

Therefore, the future Pope must be:

• A man of faith and solid doctrine
• Experienced in leadership positions
• Fluent in several languages
• Recognized for its spirituality, ethics and pastoral wisdom

In fact, if the chosen one is not a bishop, he must be ordered immediately, before assuming the papacy.

Behind the Scenes of the Conclave: What No One Sees

Influence, articulations and discreet alliances

Certainly, although shrouded in sacred rituals, the Conclave also has its share of internal political articulation.
Thus, influential cardinals form groups with similar views on the future of the Church.

Therefore, these “currents” try to convince other cardinals to vote for names that represent their priorities: internal reforms, preservation of doctrine, opening to modernity, among other topics.

After all, behind the scenes, indirect messages, symbolic indications and even strategic votes are circulating to eliminate favorites and favor “consensus candidates”.

Political Influence in the Choice of the Pope

Vatican, geopower and global interests

However, politics does not just remain within the walls of the Vatican.

Thus, countries with a large Catholic population, such as Brazil, Italy, Philippines and Poland, they support local representatives, and geopolitical balance is considered.

However, the new Pope needs to be a symbol of global unity, and this directly impacts the profile sought.

Therefore, questions like:

• Dialogue with other religions
• Defense of human rights
• Stance towards war and poverty
• Positioning on controversial social issues

influence – and greatly – the acceptance of a candidate among the cardinals.

Who Decides? How Many Are There and How Do They Vote?

Currently, about 120 cardinal electors are eligible to vote.
These men were appointed by previous Popes and represent all continents.

However, there is a predominance of cardinals from Europe, which still weighs on the decision.

Therefore, the Pope who emerges from this Conclave will be the result of consensus between different cultures, theological currents and different social contexts.

Most Likely Names to Be the New Pope

Below are the main ones “papable”:

1. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Defender of dialogue, peace and social inclusion. Strong influence in the European episcopate.

2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Loved by young people and very close to Latin American reality.

3. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)

Known for his environmental work and commitment to the poor.

4. Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazil)

Archbishop of São Paulo, respected in the Vatican, a strong name in the southern hemisphere.

5. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (Austria)

Intellectual and moderate conservative. Renowned and respected theologian in Rome.

However, as happened with Pope Francis, the chosen one can surprise the world.

Is There a Deadline for the Conclave?

Yes.
The Apostolic Constitution determines that the Conclave will take place between 15 and 20 days after the Pope's death.
This gives time for mourning, the arrival of the cardinals and the organization of the ceremony.

So on average the election happens between 3 to 5 days of voting.

The Role of the New Pope: Between Heaven and Earth

Certainly, the new Pope will be the spiritual head of the Catholic Church and also the Head of State of the Vatican.
Furthermore, it will have a strong influence on:

• Global policy
• Ethical and social issues
• Interreligious dialogues
• Position on wars, hunger and injustices

Therefore, the choice is not just ecclesiastical.
She has global impact.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Church and the World

Ultimately, the process of electing a new Pope is sacred, but also deeply strategic.
Certainly, the behind-the-scenes of the Conclave reveals that faith and politics go hand in hand when it comes to deciding the future of the Catholic Church.

Therefore, following each step of this moment is to understand the spiritual, cultural and geopolitical impact of the papal choice.

Therefore, we will continue to update with new articles, lists of candidates and unpublished behind-the-scenes information about the succession.

If you want to know more or suggest a topic, leave it in the comments.
We are here to translate the Vatican to your world.

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