The Next Pope: 9 Cardinals Who Could Lead The Catholic Church

Henrik Larsen

6 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Cardinal #1: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – A Profile of Pastoral Leadership

Theological Stance: Cardinal Tagle is known for his progressive and pastoral approach to Catholicism. He emphasizes the importance of social justice, emphasizing the preferential option for the poor, and regularly speaks out against inequality and injustice. His writings and homilies often focus on the need for compassion, mercy, and inclusivity within the Church.

Pastoral Experience: Cardinal Tagle's extensive experience in pastoral ministry includes:

• Serving as Archbishop of Manila, one of the largest archdioceses in the world.
• Leading successful diocesan reform initiatives focused on community engagement.
• Demonstrating strong social justice advocacy through his work with marginalized communities.
• Extensive experience in interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding and cooperation.

Global Influence and Support: His role as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has given him significant international visibility and influence within the College of Cardinals. His charismatic personality and reputation for pastoral care make him a highly regarded figure globally.

Cardinal #2: Cardinal Pietro Parolin – A Profile of Diplomatic Expertise

Theological Stance: Cardinal Parolin is considered to hold a moderate theological stance. His background in diplomacy has often led him to prioritize unity and dialogue within the Church, avoiding overly divisive statements. He is known for his commitment to ecumenical efforts and interfaith relations.

Pastoral Experience: His extensive career in the Vatican's diplomatic service is his primary claim to fame:

• Serving as the Vatican's Secretary of State under Pope Francis.
• Managing complex international relations and representing the Holy See in crucial global events.
• Negotiating significant agreements on behalf of the Catholic Church.

Global Influence and Support: As Secretary of State, Cardinal Parolin has built strong relationships with world leaders and church officials globally. This extensive network could prove advantageous during a Papal Conclave.

Cardinal #3: Cardinal Michael Czerny – A Profile of Social Justice Advocacy

Theological Stance: Cardinal Czerny is a prominent advocate for social justice and environmental issues, reflecting a progressive theological perspective. His dedication to the poor and the marginalized aligns with Pope Francis's focus on integral ecology and preferential option for the poor.

Pastoral Experience: His career highlights include:

• Serving as the Under-Secretary of the Migrants and Refugees Section in the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
• Working extensively on issues related to migration, climate change, and human rights.
• Advocating for a more just and sustainable world.

Global Influence and Support: His commitment to social justice issues has earned him widespread respect and support among progressive Catholics worldwide.

Cardinal #4: Cardinal Oswald Gracias – A Profile of Global Church Leadership

Theological Stance: Cardinal Gracias is known for his moderate theological position, balancing traditional teachings with a focus on pastoral care and engagement with contemporary issues. He is known for his commitment to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.

Pastoral Experience: His career includes:

• Serving as the Archbishop of Bombay, one of the largest Catholic archdioceses in Asia.
• Leading initiatives focusing on education, healthcare and social outreach within his archdiocese.
• Holding significant positions within the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

Global Influence and Support: As a prominent figure in the Asian Church, he represents a valuable perspective within the College of Cardinals.

Cardinal #5: Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley – A Profile of Reform and Renewal

Theological Stance: Cardinal O'Malley is recognized for his progressive leanings on some social issues and commitment to addressing the clergy sexual abuse crisis. While committed to traditional Catholic teachings, he seeks reform and reconciliation.

Pastoral Experience: This includes:

• Leading the Archdiocese of Boston through a period of significant challenges, including the clergy abuse scandal.
• Implementing meaningful reforms to protect children and promote transparency.

Global Influence and Support: His role in addressing the abuse crisis has shaped his image as a reformer and leader dedicated to accountability.

Cardinal #6: Cardinal Marc Ouellet – A Profile of Theological Depth

Theological Stance: Cardinal Ouellet holds a conservative theological outlook. He is known for his strong defense of traditional Catholic teachings and his emphasis on the importance of orthodoxy and morality.

Pastoral Experience: This includes:

• Serving as Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, a key role in selecting bishops worldwide.
• Extensive experience in theological education and formation.

Global Influence and Support: His extensive experience within the Vatican bureaucracy makes him a significant figure within the College of Cardinals.

Cardinal #7: Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu – A Profile of African Leadership

Theological Stance: Cardinal Ambongo Besungu is considered to represent a more progressive voice within the African Church. He is known for his emphasis on social justice and the needs of marginalized communities in Africa.

Pastoral Experience: His career highlights:

• Serving as Archbishop of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Addressing pressing social issues within his archdiocese.

Global Influence and Support: His presence represents the growing influence of the African Church within the global Catholic community.

Cardinal #8: Cardinal José Tolentino Calao – A Profile of Intellectual Acumen

Theological Stance: Cardinal Tolentino Calao is known for his intellectual contributions to Catholic theology and his commitment to interreligious dialogue. He's characterized as moderate, bridging theological divides.

Pastoral Experience: His strengths lie in theological writing and teaching:

• Serving as the Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church.
• Producing numerous scholarly works on theology and literature.

Global Influence and Support: His intellectual reputation and global connections make him a respected figure.

Cardinal #9: Cardinal Reinhard Marx – A Profile of Reform and Dialogue

Theological Stance: Cardinal Marx represents a progressive voice in the German Church, advocating for significant reforms in church governance and greater openness towards societal changes.

Pastoral Experience: He's demonstrated progressive actions:

• Leading the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, implementing reforms on various levels.
• Advocating for a synodal approach within the Church.

Global Influence and Support: His outspoken advocacy for reform has garnered both support and criticism, making him a highly discussed figure.

Conclusion:

This article has explored nine Cardinals frequently mentioned as potential candidates for the next Pope. Each possesses unique strengths and experiences, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the Catholic Church. While predicting the outcome of the Papal Conclave is impossible, understanding the backgrounds and theological leanings of these prominent figures provides valuable insight into the possible future directions of the Papacy. The selection of the next Pope is a momentous event. Stay informed about the evolving situation and the leading candidates for the next Pope by continuing to follow our coverage of this critical transition in the Catholic Church. Learn more about the potential successors to Pope Francis and the future of the Catholic Church.