Pope Francis has been battling double pneumonia and was admitted to a hospital in Rome the past week. The 88-year-old Catholic Church leader’s health condition has raised questions about his potential successor, as the future of the Church depends on its leadership.

Despite continuous prayers, hoping for the Pope’s recovery, his condition has led to speculation about several prominent cardinals who could be in line for the papacy should a transition occur.

Possible successors from Asia

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Manila, 66). One of the leading candidates from Asia is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines. At 66 years old, Tagle is known for his pastoral approach and close alignment with Pope Francis’ progressive vision. He previously served as the Archbishop of Manila  from 2011 to 2019 before being appointed as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. In 2020, he was elevated to cardinal-bishop, proving his influence in Church governance.

If elected, Tagle would become the first pope from Asia, a historically rare occurrence in the Catholic Church.

Strong European contenders

Europe has historically dominated the papacy, with 94.7 percent of all popes originating from the continent. Given this trend, five leading frontrunners for the position hail from Europe:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70). The Vatican’s Secretary of State under Pope Francis and a well-regarded figure in Vatican diplomacy. He was made a cardinal in 2014 and is considered a strong candidate to continue Pope Francis’ legacy.

Cardinal Wim Eijk (Netherlands, 71). The Metropolitan Archbishop of Utrecht and a former physician. He has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis’ more progressive stances, particularly on issues regarding marriage and communion. He was elevated to cardinal in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72). The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and a well-known conservative within the Church. Erdő opposes changes to marriage doctrine and has been critical of refugee policies in Europe. He was elevated to cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.

Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta, 67). The Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and a key figure in Pope Francis’ push for a more inclusive Church. He was made a cardinal in 2020.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy, 69). The Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Zuppi is closely associated with the Sant’Egidio Community, known for humanitarian efforts and peacebuilding. He was made a cardinal in 2019.

A Possible Pope from the United States

Cardinal Raymond Burke (Wisconsin, 76). The United States has never had a pope, but Cardinal Raymond Burke, is seen as a strong conservative candidate. Burke, a former Archbishop of St. Louis, is a vocal critic of Pope Francis, opposing progressive reforms regarding marriage, contraception, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

African contender for the papacy

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of Congo, 65). Africa’s potential candidate is Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Besungu made headlines for rejecting Pope Francis’ Fiducia Supplicans doctrine, which permitted blessings for unmarried and same-sex couples. He was elevated to cardinal in 2019.

With the possibility of a papal transition, the Catholic Church is closely watching these potential successors. Whoever is chosen will play a crucial role in shaping the Church’s direction for the next generation.