As Cardinals prepare to elect new Pope, these are some of the qualities they may seek

People queue at inside St. Peter’s Basilica in The Vatican to pay respects to Pope Francis (Credits: AFP)

The bells of St. Peter’s Square tolled solemnly as the mortal remains of Pope Francis were transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, following his passing on April 21 after a prolonged health battle. His body was moved from the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, where he lived, by 14 white-gloved pallbearers dressed in black suits.

The 88-year-old pope will lie in state in the basilica until Friday evening, allowing mourners to pay their final respects.

With Pope Francis’s death, the Vatican has initiated its centuries-old rituals of papal succession. The College of Cardinals will now prepare for the conclave — a highly secretive process conducted within the Sistine Chapel — where they will elect the next pope.

Cardinals are strictly prohibited from communicating with the outside world during the proceedings, preserving the sanctity and confidentiality of the decision-making process.

Stability, diplomacy, and global vision may shape next Pope’s selection

Following Pope Francis’ eventful 12-year leadership, many cardinals are now expressing a desire for a new pope who can bring stability to the Church and ease the growing divide between its progressive and conservative wings.

Key issues such as divorce, same-sex unions, and priestly celibacy have fueled tensions in recent years, and there’s hope that the next pontiff will be a unifying figure capable of navigating these sensitive topics with balance and compassion.

“Many cardinals are tired of the roller coaster that has been this pontificate. Many of them will look for some stability,” said Massimo Faggioli, a church historian at Villanova University said to the Wall Street Journal.

Out of 135 voting cardinals, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, making a sharp reversal of his vision unlikely. His picks reflect a push to make the Church more inclusive and focused on everyday believers, especially the poor and marginalized.

A small group of traditionalist cardinals is pushing for a pope who upholds strict orthodoxy on issues like sexual morality and gender.

A moderate cardinal with diplomatic skill and a focus on pastoral care could be well placed as Pope to unite the Church and carry forward Francis’ legacy.

Many cardinals may lean toward choosing a charismatic pope who can extend Francis' global outreach, strengthen interfaith ties, and remain a vocal presence on key issues like war, migration, and climate change.

Age is another consideration while choosing the next Pope. Cardinals traditionally avoid choosing candidates significantly younger than 70, mindful that a lengthy papacy could pose risks if church dynamics shift dramatically over time.

Here are a few of the leading contenders for the papacy — though insiders say the field could be twice as large, and a surprise wildcard candidate is always a possibility in the conclave’s secretive deliberations.

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70) He is the Vatican’s secretary of state, is a strong contender for the papacy. Known for his diplomatic skills and global network, Parolin could offer continuity. However, his somewhat distant relationship with Pope Francis and lack of charisma might be challenges. His handling of Vatican finances, including a controversial London property deal and a deal with China over bishop appointments, could also work against him.

• Cardinal Mario Grech (68) He is a top progressive candidate, championing Pope Francis' inclusive approach on divorce and remarriage. He supports liberal changes like women deacons and a more decentralized church. However, his stance has sparked concerns among conservatives, who fear it could lead to a schism if progressive reforms go too far.

• Cardinal Péter Erdő (72) Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő stands as a leading conservative contender. Known for his intellectual prowess and calls for church unity, he holds traditional views on issues like divorce, immigration, and gay civil unions. While less hard-line than some critics of Pope Francis, his perceived lack of charisma could be a hurdle in gaining wider support.

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67) Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is a strong contender from Asia, known for his blend of social justice focus and traditional Catholic values on issues like abortion and contraception. His compassionate, people-centered approach aligns with Pope Francis’ progressive vision. If elected, he would make history as the first pope from Asia.

• Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu: Choosing Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa would mark another step toward a global papacy, highlighting Africa's growing Catholic presence. The 65-year-old Congolese cardinal shares Francis' focus on social justice, poverty, and interfaith dialogue, but his objections to lenient guidelines on same-sex blessings may appeal to conservatives. His youth and limited Vatican experience, however, could be potential challenges.

• Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost: An American pope is unlikely, with many cardinals wary of aligning the Church too closely with the U.S. However, Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, a former missionary in Peru and top Vatican official, could emerge as a surprise contender. Despite his U.S. background, his global experience may give him an edge.

• Cardinal Wim Eijk: He is a former medical doctor and current Archbishop of Utrecht, was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Known for his conservative views, he's seen as a prominent contender for the papacy.

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (69) He is a close ally of Pope Francis and head of the Italian Bishops' Conference, is a progressive favorite. Known for his work with the Sant'Egidio Community and efforts in peacebuilding, including mediating in Ukraine, Zuppi is seen as a champion of inclusivity. However, his left-wing image and limited language skills may be obstacles in a papacy.

• Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline: He is a protégé of Pope Francis, known for his approachable style and focus on inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups. He advocates for interfaith dialogue, including with Islam, and has stayed out of divisive debates. His youth and popularity make him an appealing candidate.