Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Naeini: If our national interests are attacked again, our response this time will be stronger and more destructive
Naeini: The war has proven that the settlers are defenseless against Iranian missile and drone forces
Naeini: Trump lacks an understanding of the true strength of the Iranian people and is so deluded as to believe he can change the reality of Iran's victory
Naeini: The defeat led to Trump's confusion and loss of balance, which was reflected in his ill-considered statements
IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Naeini: Trump's statements are a result of his defeat against Iran, and we advise him to abandon absurd policies
Gaza Government Media Office: The number of children martyred due to malnutrition has risen to 66
Saree: Loyal Yemen will not abandon its religious, moral, and humanitarian duties toward the Palestinian people
Saree: Over the past week, we carried out military operations targeting sensitive sites and military installations in Beer al-Sabe', Yafa, and Haifa via a number of ballistic missiles and drones, which were all successful
Saree: The operation was carried out via a Zulfiqar missile, which successfully achieved its goal
Yemeni Armed Forces spokesperson, Brigadier General Yahya Saree: Our forces carried out a top-tier military operation targeting a sensitive target in occupied Beer al-Sabe', and it was successful

What is the Vatican going to do after Pope Francis' death?

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 21 Apr 2025 16:44
4 Min Read

The selection of a new pope is set to shape the future direction of the Catholic Church, both doctrinally and institutionally, through a centuries-old tradition.

Listen
  • x
  • A woman holds a picture of Pope Francis reading in Italian 'Farewell Francis, thank you His Holiness, today all the people cry for you' in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis was announced, Monday, April 21, 2025 (AP)
    A woman holds a picture of Pope Francis reading in Italian, 'Farewell Francis, thank you, His Holiness, today all the people cry for you' in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis was announced, Monday, April 21, 2025 (AP)

The Catholic Church is entering a critical transitional phase as the College of Cardinals prepares to convene at the Vatican to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at the age of 88. 

A defining moment for the Church

The selection of a new pope is set to shape the future direction of the Catholic Church, both doctrinally and institutionally. The election process follows centuries-old traditions.

Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel for a secret vote, and a two-thirds majority is required for any candidate to be elected. 

If no consensus is reached in the initial rounds, voting continues until a candidate secures the necessary support. The world will closely watch the chimney above the chapel; black smoke signals inconclusive results, while white smoke announces the successful election of a new pontiff.

Key contenders to succeed Pope Francis

According to US media analyses, five prominent candidates have emerged as frontrunners in the upcoming papal conclave:

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67) – Filipino

Currently seen as the leading candidate, Cardinal Tagle has a strong background in missionary work and heads the Dicastery for Evangelization. He is widely viewed as a proponent of Pope Francis’s reform agenda.

Related News

Pope Leo XIV calls for press freedom, release of jailed journalists

White smoke rises: US Cardinal Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV - Vatican

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70) – Italian

Serving as the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is known for his diplomatic acumen and theological moderation. He is considered a stabilizing figure who may continue reform efforts while maintaining institutional balance.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (76) – Ghanaian

A prominent advocate for social justice, Turkson’s election would mark the first African pope since the 5th century, an incredibly significant development.

Cardinal Péter ErdÅ‘ (72) – Hungarian

A conservative canon law expert, Erdő represents traditionalist voices within the Church. He is known for defending core doctrinal positions.

Cardinal Angelo Scola (82) – Italian

A traditional candidate who was among the top contenders in the 2013 conclave, Cardinal Scola's advanced age may limit his chances this time.

The anticipated conclave

The papal conclave traditionally begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, allowing time for funeral rites and a nine-day mourning period.

The conclave proceedings, held in the Sistine Chapel, attract global attention as the Church faces growing challenges, including declining influence in the West and rising prominence in the Global South.

The new pope will be tasked with navigating a delicate balance between reformist and conservative factions. Urgent priorities include addressing issues of transparency, governance, and adapting to global social changes, all amid ongoing demographic shifts and theological debates within the Church.

The first Latin Pope passes

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and first Latin American pontiff, passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after a long battle with health issues, including double pneumonia.

The Vatican confirmed the news in a statement issued by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said via the Vatican's Telegram channel.

“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”

Legacy of reform 

When Francis ascended to the papacy, the Catholic Church was reeling from decades of sexual abuse scandals and internal divisions.

He worked to revise canon law and open leadership roles in Vatican offices to laypeople.

His later years saw growing opposition from conservative cardinals, especially during the Vatican’s Synod in late 2023, part of a wide-ranging global consultation on the Church’s future, a process that now remains unfinished.

  • Catholic Church
  • Vatican
  • Pope Francis

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Iranian worshippers carry their country's flags in a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP)

Iran warns of NPT withdrawal, Strait of Hormuz closure after US attack

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli occupation soldiers search for settlers amid the rubble of buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, central occupied Palestine, on Sunday, June 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran missile strike flattens Bat Yam, displaces 2,000 settlers

Palestinian fighters from the Islamic Jihad militant group riding on a truck with weaponry on display take part in an anti-Israel parade marking the 36th anniversary of the movement's founding, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian Resistance attacks Israeli forces in Khan Younis, Jabalia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stands waiting to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for the talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 23, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran suspends IAEA cooperation, Araghchi blames Grossi for attacks

The commander of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit, Brigadier General Mohammad Said Izadi (Illustrated by Mahdi Rtail for Al Mayadeen English)
Politics

Who was Mohammad Said Izadi, head of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit?

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS