The conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor, expected to convene between May 5 and 10, will be an open contest. As always, it will be a true “political battle” between differing visions, priorities, and urgent issuesβnot merely between progressives and conservatives, but among representatives from various global churches. Pope Francis aimed to give voice to these diverse perspectives during his papacy, contrasting with the historically dominant Western Church.
Cardinals will likely prioritize the unity of the Church, striving to maintain cohesion amid longstanding internal tensions. A compromise candidate who can bridge these differences may be favored
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, stands out as a prominent figure. Known for his diplomatic acumen and familiarity among fellow cardinals, Parolin is considered a centrist capable of uniting opposing factions.
However, two factors might hinder his candidacy: his lack of pastoral experienceβrarely have Secretaries of State become Pope, with Pius XII being a notable exceptionβand his Italian nationality. In a globally diverse College of Cardinals, selecting another Italian Pope might be viewed as less appropriate.