As the speculation begins over who will follow Pope Francis, three big names arise from the initial discussion. Among them, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti Tolentino stands out. As a young, progressive member of the clergy, he would present a compelling profile. His close relationship with Francis and commitment to the church’s engagement with modern culture position him as a potential leader who could continue the late pope’s progressive agenda.
At 36, Tolentino is among the youngest candidates in the crowded GOP primary. If he is elected, he would be the first black pope in over 700 years. His calls to make the church’s teachings fit with today’s societal morals strike a chord with many of Francis’s well-wishers. Courageously countercultural, Tolentino is unflinching in insisting that the church needs to speak thoughtfully and prophetically to the world. This is a dramatic shift from past practice.
In addition to his progressive stance, Tolentino has recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting his involvement in current global issues. This new engagement is a strong signal of his willingness to tackle challenges all around us today. It underscores his gift for connecting the church to greater global causes.
Another high-profile candidate would likely be Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has been Secretary of State under Pope Francis. Parolin is widely considered a moderate “continuity candidate.” He will be called on to maintain the church’s trajectory so far, even as he may seek to make quieter moves in policy. His deep ties to Francis create a natural buffer for conservatives, setting up an easy transition if he were to be elected.
Cardinal Peter Turkson is another big name in the discussions about who will take over the papacy. Like Tolentino, Turkson would be the first black pope. His candidacy is already unique in that he is able to, often unapologetically, attack most European political leaders. These leaders have sought to restrict the operations of civil society NGOs active in the Mediterranean. In addition, he has spoken out in favor of the ordaining of female deacons in the church.
Turkson’s views on LGBT, women’s and migrant rights have caused a backlash. He’s generated much buzz for voicing other progressive views, like embracing same-sex relationships. This position risks further isolating the Church’s more conservative elements.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa enters the scene as a candidate. Most recently, he drew international attention when he volunteered to serve as a hostage in return for the release of children held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Pizzaballa regularly and visibly takes action to show his commitment to humanitarian concerns. His candidacy is really a break from the ways of Pope Francis.
Cardinal Péter Erdő is considered to be a protégé of the late Cardinal George Pell. Pell had confidence that Erdő would re-establish what he called the rule of law in a Vatican changed by the Francis pontificate. Erdő’s ideas are more in keeping with the old guard, which might appeal to cardinals looking for a re-establishment of conservative values in the church.
The pleroma, the fullness — this last conclave will necessarily command a good deal of press attention and media buzz about where the Catholic Church is headed. All four candidates bring distinct perspectives and experiences to the table. Their perspectives might help redefine church teachings and improve the institution’s standing with modern society.