EntertainmentSocial media speculates on potential successors to Pope Francis

Social media speculates on potential successors to Pope Francis

On the morning of April 21, the world was met with sad news: 88-year-old Pope Francis has passed away. Social media buzzed with discussions about potential successors to the cleric. Who are the users of X favouring? Who is being talked about the most?

The internet is buzzing about these candidates for pope
The internet is buzzing about these candidates for pope
Images source: © Instagram

Although the Vatican bells have yet to announce an official conclave, social media platforms are already engaging in the informal selection of a new pope. Following the death of Pope Francis, users of the X platform began speculating: who will now lead the Catholic Church? Familiar names, surprising choices, and various candidates appear in the posts. Who is being talked about the most? What views do the candidates hold?

The internet is abuzz with these papal candidates

Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)

  • Position: Former Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
  • Profile: Representative of the traditional wing of the Church, known for conservative liturgical views.
  • Views: Critic of Francis's reforms, especially on issues concerning refugees and LGBTQ+ communities; author of popular books, defender of Church tradition.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

  • Position: Secretary of State of the Holy See since 2013.
  • Profile: Moderate diplomat, valued for his ability to build consensus.
  • Views: Supporter of continuing Francis's reforms in a more toned-down form; combines curial experience with a pastoral approach.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

  • Position: Archbishop of Bologna, President of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
  • Profile: Close collaborator of Francis, known for involvement in peace dialogue (including missions in Ukraine).
  • Views: Advocate for social justice and ecumenism; member of the Sant’Egidio community, focusing on helping the poor and interreligious dialogue.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

  • Position: Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
  • Profile: Charismatic leader from Asia, ideologically close to Francis.
  • Views: Proponent of ecumenical and social dialogue; his election would symbolically showcase the universal character of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo)

  • Position: President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.
  • Profile: Influential leader of the African Church, known for a conservative approach.
  • Views: Rejected the controversial declaration of Pope Francis regarding blessings for unmarried and same-sex couples; his election would signal a return to more traditional values.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg)

  • Position: Archbishop of Luxembourg, Relator General of the Synod on Synodality.
  • Profile: Considered one of the most progressive cardinals in Europe.
  • Views: Openly supports reforms in the Church, including greater inclusiveness towards LGBTQ+ individuals and the role of women. His election would continue the line of reform initiated by Francis.

Related content