Pietro Parolin, 70 years old
If the next popes are Italian, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Vatican, is considered the most likely candidate. As a prominent diplomat and powerful figure in the Vatican, he was sent around the world to bring the voice of Pope Francis to disadvantaged areas.
Matteo Zuppi, 69 years old
The President of the Italian Council of Sonics and archiepe of Bologna are also a strong candidate. He is a special missionary of Pope Francis to the conflict in Ukraine. He has traveled to Kiev, Moscow, Beijing and Washington. In 1992, he also contributed to ending the civil war in Mozambique by mediating two-year peace negotiations in Rome.
Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, 59 years old
The Minister of Culture and Education of the Vatican is also another potential candidate. The Portuguese Cardinal is also a member of the Ministry of Faith Catechism, the Ministry of Phung Tu and the Sacrament Discipline. He published many poems and religious articles. On February 16, he on behalf of Pope Francis at the Jubilee of Artists of Vatican.
Peter Erdo, 72 years old
The Hungarian doctor is a potential candidate for the cardinal title in the most recent meeting. He also served as president of the European Council of Presbyters.
Cristobal Lopez Romero, 72 years old
The Hispanic archivist of Rabat moved to Morocco in 2003 after a long time of ministries in Latin America, especially in Paraguay. He is a member of the Saledieng Order - a male reformed Order in the Catholic Church.
pierbattista pizzaballa, 59 years old
The cardinal Latinh Jerusalem was tonsured by Pope Francis 2 years ago. He has devoted himself to the Middle East, facing many crises, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Last Christmas, he held a mass at Holy Family Church in Gaza.
