Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church since 2013, has died aged 88, the Vatican announced Monday.
Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where the Pope lived.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Ferrell said.
His death plunges the 1.4 billion Catholics across the world into mourning.
The death now sets off a weekslong process of allowing the faithful to pay their final respects, first for Vatican officials in the Santa Marta chapel and then in St. Peter’s for the general public, followed by a funeral and a conclave to elect a new pope.
Who will be Pope Francis’s Successor?
Several cardinals could succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. This process involves an isolated conclave where all cardinals under 80 vote by secret ballot, which occurs four rounds a day. When a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote, the dean asks the candidate if he accepts the responsibility. If the chosen cardinal says yes, they select a papal name and are given their vestments.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state since 2013, is the highest-ranking cardinal in a potential upcoming conclave. A 70-year-old from Veneto, Italy, he is known as a moderate figure rather than leaning towards either political extreme. Parolin has played a key role in Vatican diplomacy and frequently comments on global issues.
“Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples, otherwise, there will never be a just and lasting peace,” Parolin said in a recent interview with L’Eco di Bergamo.
Cardinal Peter Erdö
Cardinal Péter Erdő, a 72-year-old Hungarian, is a prominent conservative voice within the Catholic Church. A former president of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, he is known for his deep devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Erdő has strongly opposed allowing divorced or remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, citing the indissolubility of marriage. He has also sparked controversy by comparing refugee intake to human trafficking. Made a cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, Erdő remains an influential figure in Vatican circles.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a 67-year-old Filipino, is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and would be the first Asian pope if elected. Currently serving as the pro-prefect for the section of first evangelization in the Dicastery for Evangelization, he was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his progressive stance, Tagle has aligned with Pope Francis in advocating for a more compassionate Church.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke
Cardinal Raymond Burke, a Wisconsin-born prelate, is known for his outspoken traditionalist views. Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, he has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis’s more progressive approach to church doctrine. Burke strongly opposes allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the Eucharist and has criticized the Church’s evolving stance on artificial contraception, civil marriages, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He has also argued that Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion, including President Joe Biden, should be denied the Eucharist.
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