Pope Francis was hospitalized earlier this week after falling ill with pneumonia. As Catholics and other Christians worldwide continue to pray for his recovery, speculation about his potential successor has begun circulating.
The 88-year-old Vatican leader is reportedly on the mend, but a list of Cardinals who could succeed him has surfaced online. According to the New York Post, here are eight Cardinals frequently mentioned as possible future Popes:
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin
At 70 years old, Cardinal Pietro Parolin is an Italian cleric made a cardinal in 2014 by Pope Francis. He currently serves as the Vatican's Secretary of State and is the top contender if a papal conclave were held.
2. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, is a cardinal from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the only African contender on the list. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, he serves as the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. Besungu has opposed some of Pope Francis’ policies, including the Fiducia suppli-cans doctrine, which allowed priests to bless unmarried and same-sex couples.
3. Cardinal Wim Eijk
Cardinal Wim Eijk, a 71-year-old Dutch doctor, has also been mentioned as a potential successor. A conservative figure, Eijk is regarded as a former medical doctor. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him a cardinal in 2012.
4. Cardinal Peter Erdo
Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, is from Hungary and is another conservative candidate. He is the former president of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe and was made a cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.
5. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
At 67, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is another strong contender. He is currently the pro-prefect of the Section of First Evangelization at the Dicastery for Evangelization. Appointed a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, Tagle, if elected, would become the first Pope from Asia.
6. Cardinal Raymond Burke
A 76-year-old American from Wisconsin, Cardinal Raymond Burke was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Known for challenging Pope Francis' policies, Burke is considered a conservative figure.
7. Cardinal Mario Grech
Cardinal Mario Grech, 67, is from Malta and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2020. He currently serves as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and is known for his moderate views. Grech is among the youngest candidates on the list.
8. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, is from Italy and was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019. He is the President of the Italian Episcopal Conference and is seen as a prominent candidate for the papacy.
In a related story, a Nigerian cleric has called for the banning of Valentine’s Day in the country, claiming it encourages immorality. The pastor cited the celebration’s ties to Cupid, the Roman god associated with desire and passion.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0