How the new Pope is chosen and who it might be after Pope Francis' death
Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, the new Pope will be chosen - but how is this done?
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the news on Monday (21 April) in an official statement, which reads: "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.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."
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Following the Pope's passing, the process to elect a new Pope will begin.
How is the new Pope chosen?
Now that Pope Francis' death has been confirmed and the nine days of mourning is set to commence, the church will enact a series of rituals before a successor is eventually chosen.
And if you've seen Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci in 2024's Conclave, then you'll have an idea of how it works.
It is not yet clear who will now be announced the next bishop of Rome, with a voting process likely to last between 15 to 20 days in what is known as a papal conclave.
The decision will be made by the College of Cardinals - a select group of over 200 senior cardinals chosen by successive Popes - who will vote four times per day until a candidate receives a major two-thirds of the vote.
Now, there is no age limit when it comes to the role, but only men can be the Pope.
Additionally, contenders do not put themselves forward formally during a conclave and open campaigning for the role is strictly forbidden.
The voting process
The process begins with a mass, before a long series of secret ballots inside the Sistine Chapel overseen by three cardinals selected as 'scrutineers'.
The ceremony, known as a conclave, sees ballot papers burned in a small, controlled fire inside the chapel, with black smoke billowing from the chimney informing those outside that a new Pope has still not been selected.
White smoke, however, which is created by an additive in the fire, tells the world a new Pope has been chosen.
Once this happens, the new Pope then chooses his papal name, dons white robe and red slippers and appears before the crowds on main balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
While there are many potential candidates, according to I Paper, the six likely ones include; Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Robert Sarah and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Cardinal Raymond Burke and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, is the current secretary of state at the Vatican, and he has spent many years working so closely along Pope Francis, the outlet further reports.
The Italian, who is neither liberal nor a traditionalist, has previously been credited with helping re-establish formal ties between the US and Cuba.
He also recently criticised the claim made by United States president, Donald Trump, that the US could 'take over' Gaza, saying there could be 'no deportation' of Palestinians.
"Whoever was born and has lived in Gaza must remain on their land." he said (via Reuters).
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Just as Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle could be the very first Pope hailing from Asia if he is picked.
According to I Paper, the 67-year-old from the Philippines is regarded as someone to take forwards some of liberal views shared by the late Pope Francis.
The former archbishop of Manila had previously criticised the 'harsh' approach taken historically by the Church towards the LGBTQ+ community and divorced people.
And Al Jazeera reports that he has also been vocal about social justice and caring for the poor.
Cardinal Robert Sarah
A stark contrast to Tagle, Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79, from Guinea is a strong opponent of same-sex marriage.
In January 2024, Sarah responded to the Vatican's 2023 declaration to bless couples, including same-sex ones, in certain scenarios, as reported by Catholic News Agency.
He wrote: "We do not oppose Pope Francis, but we firmly and radically oppose a heresy that seriously undermines the Church, the Body of Christ, because it is contrary to the Catholic faith and Tradition."
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
Fourth on this brief rundown of potential successors is Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu.
The 65-year-old, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, also had strong beliefs against the blessing of same-sex relationships by priests.
In 2023, he told the press: "The African continent perceived Fiducia Supplicans as cultural colonization," further claiming that it was 'a kind of Western imperialism, but on a cultural level' and imposed 'practices that are considered normal in the West on other peoples'.
Cardinal Raymond Burke
Cardinal Raymond Burke is the only American in the list of possible successors, hailing from Wisconsin.
However, the 76-year-old has also been incredibly vocal on his criticisms towards certain reforms.
In 2021, Burke criticised politicians who 'publicly and obstinately' support abortion as being 'apostates', The Guardian reported.
He later accused former President Joe Biden of not being a 'Catholic in good standing', and he shouldn't 'approach to receive Holy Communion' because of his stance on abortion.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
And last on this list is the 69-year-old Cardinal Matteo Zuppi.
In 2018, the Italian wrote in the preface of a book by Father James Martin, S.J. - titled Building a Bridge - which, according to the College of Cardinals Report, was praised for encouraging acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community within the church.
Zuppi described the book as being 'useful for encouraging dialogue, as well as reciprocal knowledge and understanding, in view of a new pastoral attitude that we must seek together with our LGBT brothers and sisters'.
I Paper also says he was chosen by the late Pope to lead a peace mission aimed at helping end the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
Topics: Explained, News, Politics, World News, Pope Francis
Rhiannon Ingle