According to the Vatican, Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
The late Francis became the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected pope on March 13, 2013, according to reports.
Not too long ago, the pope recovered from a severe case of double pneumonia.
These eight Cardinals are the most likely to succeed Francis.
Turkson, Peter, 76
The first black pope would be the former bishop of the Cape Coast, who would be appealing to Africans. Pope Francis dispatched him to South Sudan as a peace envoy; he was born in Ghana.
At 67, Luis Antonio Tagle
Currently leading the race and regarded as one of the most liberal contenders is Tagle.
Parolin Pietro, 70
Although Parolin has been close to Pope Francis, his opinions on China have angered others.
In contrast to Francis, who has occasionally come out as more liberal, he is viewed as a moderate.
Peter Erdo, age 72
As a staunch conservative from the Eastern Bloc, Erdo has opposed the reception of holy communion by divorced or remarried Catholics.
Tolentino, Jose, 59
As the relative youth candidate, he has promoted the idea that biblical academics should watch movies and listen to music in order to interact with the contemporary society.
Read Also: NRC Extends Halt on Warri-Itakpe Train Operations
Zuppi Matteo, 69
Zuppi was named a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019 and has served as the Archbishop of Bologna since 2015. The Pope appointed him as the Vatican peace envoy to Ukraine two years ago.
Grech, Mario, 68
In furthering Pope Francis’s vision for a more open and engaged Church, Cardinal Grech has been instrumental.
In addition to being the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, he was the Bishop of Gozo.
Sarah, Robert, 79
Sarah, who was born in French Guinea, could also be the first Black pope. He is a conservative who has criticized gender ideology as a social danger. He has also been vocal in his opposition to Islamic fanaticism.
