Meet the Top 10 Contenders of the 2025 Papal Conclave
Who Will Be the Next Pope?
As the bells toll across Rome and 133 cardinal-electors enter the Sistine Chapel, the world watches with bated breath. The 2025 Papal Conclave marks not just a changing of the guard, but the end of an era and the uncertain beginning of another. With Pope Francis’s passing on April 21, 2025, the Church now faces one of the most consequential elections in modern Catholic history.
But who are these Cardinals entrusted with the sacred responsibility of choosing the next pope? What makes them eligible, what sets them apart—and why are some names rising to the top of public curiosity and spiritual speculation?
Let’s go deeper.
What is a Papal Conclave?
A papal conclave is a centuries-old process where eligible members of the College of Cardinals meet in absolute secrecy to elect a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote. They must be present in Rome during the conclave. In certain cases—such as serious illness or extraordinary circumstances—a cardinal may be excused or choose not to vote, but this is rare.
There is no term limit for cardinals themselves. They retain their titles for life, although only those under 80 may participate in papal elections. Becoming a cardinal is by appointment only, made directly by the reigning pope. Though many cardinals are bishops or archbishops, a cardinal’s role is often more political than pastoral—balancing tradition with global influence.
Why This Election Matters
The 2025 conclave is unique not just because of its diversity—cardinals from over 70 nations—but because it comes during a time of tremendous upheaval: global conflict, environmental collapse, doctrinal division, and moral exhaustion within the Church.
Many have pointed to the Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, which ominously predicts that the current pope would be the last. Whether taken literally or symbolically, the prophecy has amplified intrigue. Are we choosing a spiritual leader—or a final shepherd in apocalyptic times?
Who Are the Frontrunners?
Here are 10 cardinals who have captured global attention—each for different reasons, each with deeply compelling (and sometimes controversial) stories.
1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) – Age 70
Title: Vatican Secretary of State
Pietro Parolin is often referred to as the Church’s top diplomat. Fluent in several languages and known for his strategic calm, Parolin has helped navigate delicate relationships with China, Iran, and Russia. Unlike many cardinals, he has never led a diocese—his entire vocation has been within Vatican diplomacy.
What sets him apart: Parolin is considered a stabilizing figure, but some criticize him for lacking spiritual charisma. However, his insider knowledge of Vatican machinery is unmatched.
2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) – Age 67
Title: Pro-Prefect for Evangelization
Known affectionately as the “Asian Francis,” Tagle is charismatic, joyful, and deeply emotional in his preaching. He once moved thousands to tears while recounting his mother’s prayers. But he stirred controversy by singing John Lennon’s “Imagine”—a song many see as antithetical to Christian doctrine.
Lesser-known fact: Tagle is deeply musical, often using song to minister. His global outreach to the poor mirrors Pope Francis’s own tone.
3. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea) – Age 79
Title: Prefect Emeritus for Divine Worship
Cardinal Sarah is a towering voice for Catholic orthodoxy. He warns of secularism, cultural collapse, and the dilution of Catholic truth. A contemplative man of deep prayer, he often speaks of silence as the path to hearing God.
What people don’t know: His resistance to modernism is rooted in his childhood—raised by missionary priests in Guinea during intense persecution.
4. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DRC) – Age 64
Title: Archbishop of Kinshasa
He stands boldly against political corruption and environmental destruction in Africa. A Franciscan at heart, Ambongo is seen as a potential bridge between the Global South and Western Catholicism.
Lesser-known strength: He speaks four languages fluently, including Lingala, and often travels on foot to reach his most remote parishes.
5. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (Luxembourg) – Age 66
Title: Archbishop of Luxembourg
A Jesuit and intellectual, Hollerich has called for a re-examination of Catholic teachings on sexuality—earning both praise and outrage. As the Relator of the Synod on Synodality, he plays a key role in reshaping Church governance.
Background twist: Before the priesthood, Hollerich studied in Japan and is fluent in Japanese—a rare cultural asset.
6. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) – Age 69
Title: Archbishop of Bologna
Zuppi’s pastoral style is grounded in compassion and peacemaking. He helped negotiate peace in Mozambique and often rides his bicycle to meetings.
Why he matters: Zuppi is seen as a spiritual reformer in the style of Saint Francis—humble but firm.
7. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy) – Age 60
Title: Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
In 2023, during a hostage crisis, Pizzaballa offered himself in exchange for Israeli children. This act of radical selflessness stunned even his critics.
What makes him special: Fluent in Hebrew and Arabic, he understands Middle Eastern tensions like no other cardinal alive.
8. Cardinal Stephen Chow (Hong Kong) – Age 65
Title: Bishop of Hong Kong
Chow walks a tightrope between state control and Vatican allegiance. A former school principal and psychologist, he is an educator at heart.
Hidden strength: Chow has subtly defended religious freedom in China while maintaining dialogue with the state—an art few can master.
9. Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta) – Age 68
Title: Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops
Once known for conservative leanings, Grech has shifted to embrace more progressive stances, including support for civil unions.
Interesting note: He is said to be a gifted storyteller, often using folk tales to explain theology in relatable ways.
10. Cardinal Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi (Japan) – Age 66
Title: Archbishop of Tokyo
A missionary-turned-archbishop, Kikuchi served in Ghana before returning to Japan. He champions peace and nuclear disarmament.
Rare fact: He was the first Japanese SVD missionary in Africa—a pioneer of cultural and spiritual cross-pollination.
What Should We Hope For?
This election is not just about politics. It’s about the soul of the Church. Will the next pope bridge East and West? Will he stand boldly for truth—or quietly seek unity at all costs? And how will prophecy shape the way the faithful interpret what happens next?
More than ever, we need a shepherd who is fearless, prayerful, and clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. Not simply a manager of doctrine—but a vessel of grace in a fragmented world.
