Cardinals Pietro Parolin (70) of Italy and Matteo Maria Zuppi (69) are widely seen as frontrunners among next pope candidates.
Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, has served as Pope Francis’s top aide for over 11 years and is often referred to as the “second-in-command at the Vatican.” He has repeatedly been mentioned as a likely successor during times when the pope’s health has deteriorated. Seen as a centrist, Parolin has maintained a neutral and pragmatic stance amid ongoing tensions between conservative and reformist factions within the Vatican.
Zuppi has been called “the pope’s favorite cardinal” by The Independent and described by The Times as “the spiritual successor of Pope Francis.” These characterizations underscore his strong alignment with the pope’s ideas and priorities, making him another prominent figure among next pope candidates.
Other cardinals considered to be in the running include Péter Erdő (73) of Hungary, known for his opposition to immigration and same-sex marriage; Anders Arborelius (75) of Sweden, a member of the Carmelite Order; and Jean-Marc Aveline (66) of Marseille, France.
Korean Cardinal You Heung-Sik Among Electors—and Eligible Himself
Cardinal You Heung-Sik Lazarus, the only Korean cardinal with voting rights in the upcoming Conclave—the secret papal election gathering—also holds eligibility to be elected pope. As a voting cardinal, You not only participates in selecting the next pope but is also among the official next pope candidates under consideration.
BY HA SOOYOUNG [ha.suyoung@joongang.co.kr]
