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Pope Francis' Tenure and His Legacy
In April 2025, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, bringing great sorrow and shock to Catholics around the world. He was the first pope from South America and the first pope of the Jesuit order, establishing himself as a global moral leader over the 12 years since his inauguration in 2013 by emphasizing Church reform and social responsibility. His achievements will be remembered by many.
He consistently emphasized that "the person should be at the center," actively representing the Church's stance on global issues such as climate change, poverty, refugees, and inequality. Notably, through the encyclical "Laudato Si," he emphasized moral responsibility for environmental protection, and continued his reformative actions by allowing blessings for same-sex couples and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals.
These efforts drew praise and sparked controversy both within and outside the Church, but his vision of an "open Church, a humble Church" left a profound impression on many. Ultimately, these initiatives transformed the Church's image and fostered more dialogue on various social issues.
Conclave Procedure: How is the Pope Elected?
When a pope passes away, a 'conclave' is held to elect the next pope. The term conclave is derived from Latin meaning 'a meeting locked with keys' and is a traditional method where all the cardinals conduct a secret vote in the Sistine Chapel without external contact.
According to current Church law, only cardinals under the age of 80 have voting rights, and a candidate must receive more than two-thirds of the valid votes to be elected as pope. After the voting is concluded, white smoke (the white smoke signal) rises to indicate that a new pope has been chosen, followed by the announcement "Habemus Papam!" from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, proclaiming the new pope's name to the world.
The conclave generally takes place within 15 to 20 days after the pope's death. This process includes mourning the pope's body and a funeral mass, as well as a nine-day mourning period, culminating in the gathering of cardinals from around the world at the Vatican.
Next Papal Candidates: Who are the Leading Contenders?
A key aspect of this conclave is that over 80% of the cardinals are reform-minded individuals appointed by Pope Francis. This has led to the opinion that the next pope is highly likely to follow 'the path of Francis.'
Discussions are actively continuing regarding prominent candidates for the next pope, and attention is on what direction they may take.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, from Italy, serves as the Secretary of State of the Vatican. He is known as a moderate with extensive diplomatic experience and is regarded as someone possessing a balanced sense necessary for carrying out the papacy.
Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi is from Italy and is deeply trusted by the pope. He is active as a mediator for peace and possesses a progressive lean. Many expect him to be the successor to Pope Francis.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines is noted as a reformist who could possibly become the first pope from Asia. He has emphasized faith and social justice in a balanced manner.
Cardinal Péter Erdő from Hungary symbolizes the conservative forces in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional doctrine and strives to uphold a conservative balance within the Church. For this reason, there is a possibility he could be chosen.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu is an emerging leader from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, possessing both a reformist inclination and significance. Although he has somewhat limited international experience, there are high expectations for his potential.
Cardinal Lazarus Yoo Heung-sik from South Korea is noted as the first Korean papal candidate to be deeply involved in the Vatican's central administration as a representative of the Asian Church.
In this context, the next pope is likely to be a non-Western figure from outside Europe, which raises expectations that a person reflecting the Church's openness and diversity will be elected.
Conclusion: Will the Papal Election Open a New Chapter in Catholic Church History?
Pope Francis' passing has shocked the global Catholic community, and there is growing interest in how his innovative legacy will continue.
The next pope will play an essential role not merely as a symbol, but in providing moral direction amid diverse global issues such as climate change, war, and social inequality. The message he delivers is attracting the attention of many.
This conclave will be an important milestone in outlining the future direction of the global Church. The cry of "Habemus Papam" will undoubtedly become a symbolic sound marking the dawn of a new era.
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