Following the death of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the papal conclave, where 137 cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel to choose his successor. Among the contenders is Cristóbal López Romero, 72, the Spanish Archbishop of Rabat.
A member of the Salesians, López Romero spent many years in Latin America, particularly in Paraguay, before moving to Morocco in 2003.
His international pastoral experience, especially in Muslim-majority contexts, aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of interfaith dialogue and global outreach.
Other prominent candidates include Pietro Parolin, 70, Vatican Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat; Matteo Zuppi, 69, known for his peacebuilding efforts and progressive views; Jose Tolentino de Mendonça, 59, a Portuguese cardinal with a rich background in culture and education; Peter Erdo, 72, from Hungary, a leading figure in European Catholicism; and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 59, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and a key voice in the Middle East.
The next pope could reflect the Church’s increasingly global identity, shaped by Pope Francis’ legacy.
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