Who Will Lead the World’s 1.3 Billion Catholics Now? 5 Powerful Names Emerge After Pope Francis' Death

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Pope Francis, who was ill for a long time, died in Vatican City at the age of 88. He was considered the biggest religious leader of Christians. The news of Pope Francis' death has been given from Vatican City. Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years. He became Pope in March 2013 when his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI resigned. So now questions are being raised as to who will be the next Pope.

Let us tell you that Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 14 February due to shortness of breath. But later it was found out that he had double pneumonia, which makes breathing extremely difficult. It is being told that he also met US Vice President JD Vance on the morning of 20 April. So now questions are being raised as to who will be the next Pope.

These 5 names are in discussion, they could be the next Pope

There are 253 cardinals in Vatican City. People over the age of 80 are excluded from voting rights. Only 138 cardinals have the right to vote.

1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin: A big name in the power structure of Ticin is Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has been one of Pope Francis' most trusted aides for the past decade. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2014.

2. Cardinal Peter Erdo: Peter Erdo is a name in the Catholic Church who is known for his conservative and traditional views. He is 72 years old. In 2003, Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal. He has also been the former President of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe and is considered a staunch supporter of Catholic traditions.

3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: He is one of the most progressive and influential faces in the Catholic Church. He is counted among the most favorite leaders of Pope Francis. He is 69 years old. He has been the President of the Episcopal Conference of Italy since 2022 and was appointed a Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019.

4. Cardinal Raymond Burke: He is one of the most conservative faces of the Catholic Church. He is 70 years old. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

5. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle: Luis Antonio is 67 years old. If he is elected Pope, he can become the first Asian Pope in history. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. He is considered close to the policies and thinking of Pope Francis. He has openly questioned the harsh language and biased attitude of the Church, especially when it comes to the LGBTQ community, unmarried mothers and divorced Catholics.