Who will the next Pope be - main contenders from anti-abortionists to liberal pioneer

died this morning, April 21, has confirmed. The head of the Catholic Church and being plagued by ill health for months.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell , stating: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Now, the task for the College of Cardinals will be to choose the next Pope. The process is famously secretive, with a two-thirds vote necessary - of 138 eligible voters - to choose a successor in an election which has previously taken days or even months behind the doors of the Sistine Chapel.

While what goes on during the debate and voting process is famously top-secret, when white smoke appears the new Pope will reveal himself on the balcony over St Peter's Square - and it seems most likely we can expect the chosen leader to be one of these men…

Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle

Tagle, 67, of the Philippines would be the first Asian Pope, and is the second-youngest of the top contenders. More and more Asians are turning towards Catholicism, making him a popular choice. He’s also known as one of the more liberal candidates, saying that the Church has often been too harsh on issues of homosexuality and divorce.

However, Tagle - who often goes by his nickname, Chito - has strongly opposed abortion in his native country.

Robert Sarah

Sarah, 79, is the oldest candidate, and one of the most conservative. The Guinea native could see his way to becoming the first Black Pope. Sarah entered a seminary aged just 12 and was made a cardinal in 2010, and speaks French, Spanish, Italian and English fluently.

The passionate prelate has referred to gender ideology and radical Islam as “two radicalisations” threatening family stability, and is staunchly anti-divorce, anti-same-sex marriage, anti-trans, and anti-abortion - but has slammed the Church for its abuse scandal.

Peter Turkson

Turkson, 76, is another contender to become the first Black Pope, having been born in Ghana. He was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003, and has held many posts within the Church.

Back in 2013 Turkson was the front-runner to become Pope instead of Francis, and is a front-runner again now. He holds fairly central positions on difficult topics, rather than being known as liberal or conservative.

Pietro Parolin

Parolin, 70, is seen by some as a natural successor to Pope Francis given his role as the Cardinal Secretary of State - a role often likened to being the Prime Minister of the Holy See.

The role itself is appointed by the Pope, meaning he was in good standing with Francis. Parolin was born in Veneto, Italy, and entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service aged just 31, taking him around the globe.

He’s more conservative than Francis, and in 2015 said of the approval of same-sex marriage in Ireland: "I was very saddened by this result. I don't think we can speak only about a defeat for Christian principles, but a defeat for humanity.”

Jose Tolentino

Tolentino, 59, is the baby of the race, being nine years younger than the second-youngest candidate. Born in Madeira, Portugal, he grew up in Angola and was made a cardinal in 2019. Alongside being the youngest, he’s also the artist of the group - having written countless books including poetry and plays.

Francis elected Tolentino to the Pontifical Council for Culture in 2020, and he’s been open about how the Church should reach those indifferent to religion - by becoming more modern and interacting with films, music, and media.

Péter Erdő

Erdő, 72, hailing from Budapest, is perhaps one of the most conservative men in the running. Coming from the former Soviet Bloc, where Catholics were often persecuted, Erdő was made a cardinal in 2003, and served in the papal conclaves that elected both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

His very strict take on Catholicism extends to the point of suggesting that divorced Catholics shouldn’t be allowed to take the Holy Communion, and he’s also likened the acceptance of refugees to human trafficking.

Matteo Zuppi

Matteo Zuppi, 69, is the great-nephew of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, and is a local - having been born in Rome. While born Italian, he’s also been granted honorary citizenship of Mozambique thanks to his part in the Rome General Peace Accords, which helped end their civil war in 1992.

Francis also made him the peace envoy for , sending him to in an attempt to encourage reason - but Putin didn’t meet him. Zuppi has met multiple leaders, including and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, making him one of the main diplomats of the group.

Mario Grech

Grech, 68, was born in Malta, and studied philosophy and theology at a seminary. He’s now Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops - the body that advises the Pope.

While not an open supporter of divorce and homosexuality, he has encouraged the Church to be more welcoming to the groups, and also said that talking to atheists helps him consider and firm his own beliefs.

In 2018, he said: “If someone comes to me, asking me for help to discover Jesus Christ... he or she could be homosexual, and even in a homosexual relationship. It doesn’t matter. I will not impede that person; on the contrary I would help.”