Prominent names floated in debate over Pope Francis successor

By Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui

As Pope Francis continues to battle his most challenging health condition yet, recently spending more than a week in hospital, the global Catholic community is praying for his quick recovery.

However, with Francis’ health reported to be in poor shape, many are wondering who could replace the pontiff should he pass away or be forced to resign.

Pope’s current medical status

Vatican officials confirmed last week that Pope Francis was hospitalised on 14 February due to recurring chest pains.

The pope had previously undergone a series of surgeries in 2023.

After his admission to the prestigious Gemelli Hospital in Rome, doctors diagnosed the pope with double pneumonia, a serious infection that can make it difficult to breathe.

On Saturday, the Vatican warned for the first time that Francis’ condition was critical, with a subsequent update on Sunday revealing that he had suffered mild kidney failure as well.

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Potential successors to the papacy

The Vatican, it must be said, has not released any information regarding an official list of approved candidates to replace Francis.

However, due to services rendered and certain stances on modern issues, some prominent individuals in the Catholic community are considered frontrunners for the papacy should the need arise.

Cardinal Fridouin Ambongo Besunzu, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, would be a historic appointment as the first-ever black pope. Bezungu, though, is viewed as a conservative pick over his opposition to recognising unmarried and same-sex couples.

Hungarian Cardinal Petro Erdo is a well-known devotee of Mary, but he has also shown opposition to unmarried couples while likening the welcoming of migrants to “human trafficking”.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy is known to be Francis’ favourite and has moreover served in the Vatican for 11 years as the face of the Holy See on the international stage.

Finally, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – the seventh Filipino to be ordained as a cardinal – shares similar views to Francis in welcoming members of the LGBT community, single mothers, divorced and remarried individuals, and other members of marginalised groups to the church.

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