Who’s in the Running for the Next Pope? A Look at the Leading Cardinals
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: Vatican Prepares for Next Chapter On April 21, 2025, a solemn day of
Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: Vatican Prepares for Next Chapter
On April 21, 2025, a solemn day of mourning swept across Italy and the Catholic world as news broke of the death of Pope Francis. The beloved pontiff passed away at 88 years old, just hours after delivering his final Easter Sunday address and holding a historic meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Vatican Confirms the Pope’s Passing
In an official statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed the Pope’s death, saying, “At 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. He exemplified the Gospel through faith, compassion, and love for the most vulnerable.” The statement marked the beginning of a period of deep reflection for Catholics worldwide.
What Was the Cause of Death?
According to the Vatican’s medical report, Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. His deteriorating health followed a series of respiratory complications, including bilateral pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and a history of acute bronchitis. The late pontiff also battled hypertension and type II diabetes.
Pope Francis had faced health issues for decades. He had part of one lung removed in his youth, underwent colon surgery in 2021 to address diverticulitis, and in recent years relied on a cane and wheelchair due to chronic knee pain.
What Happens After a Pope Dies?
Following tradition, Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners from around the world can pay their respects. His funeral will take place in the coming days.
In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will oversee Church affairs. Their primary responsibility will be organizing the Papal Conclave, a sacred gathering during which they vote to elect a new pope. This process can last several days and requires a two-thirds majority to select the next leader of the Catholic Church.
Potential Candidates to Succeed Pope Francis
Speculation is mounting over who will become the next pope. While any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible, the role almost always goes to a cardinal. Here are some of the most talked-about candidates, according to Vatican analysts:
- Jean-Marc Aveline (France) – Archbishop of Marseille, age 66
- Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary) – Age 72
- Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta) – Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, age 68
- Cardinal Juan José Omella (Spain) – Archbishop of Barcelona, age 79
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) – Vatican Secretary of State, age 70
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) – Age 67
- Cardinal Joseph Tobin (USA) – Archbishop of Newark, age 72
- Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana) – Age 76
- Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy) – Archbishop of Bologna, age 69
With the conclave on the horizon, the world awaits the election of a new spiritual leader—one who will shape the direction of the Catholic Church in a rapidly changing world.
