February 23, 2025

Will Pope Francis step down? A look at his likely successors

Abiola Olawale

Writer

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The Holy Year celebrations at the Vatican were conducted on Saturday in the absence of Pope Francis, as he is battling with double pneumonia.

According to doctors, he is not out of danger and is still fragile. On February 14, Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital. As he continues to battle the complex respiratory illness, speculations are rife over the possibility of his resignation and if he steps down who will succeed him.

Though rare, a Pope can resign under extraordinary situations. Citing advanced age and worsening health conditions, Pope Benedict XVI stepped down in 2013.

As per the Canon law, a Pope can resign by making a formal public declaration. Without requiring further approval, the resignation becomes valid. Following the Pope’s resignation, a conclave will be held to choose a new Pope.

Though no official successors have been named yet, any Roman Catholic man is technically eligible to become Pope. However, in practice, Cardinals are eligible to become the Pope.

There are currently 253 Cardinals. Since those above 80 years of old are excluded from the voting process, only 138 are eligible to vote in the next conclave. Here are some likely successors:

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (65)

Besungu is the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. He is a significant voice in African Catholicism. Pope Francis appointed him as a cardinal in 2019.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (70)

Parolin is the Vatican’s Secretary of State. For over a decade he has worked closely with Pope Francis. His background in Vatican diplomacy makes him a strong contender. He was promoted to Cardinal in 2014.

Cardinal Raymond Burke (76)

Burke is known as a leading figure in Catholic conservatism. Being a strong advocate of the Latin Mass, he has slammed Pope Francis’s reforms. He became a cardinal in 2010.

Cardinal Peter Erdo (72)

Erdo is the former president of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe. He is known as a hardliner and has opposed allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion. He became a cardinal in 2003.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67)

Tagle described as ‘Asian Pope Francis’ is known for his progressive views. Like Pope Francis, he has questioned the Church’s treatment of LGBT individuals. He was made a cardinal in 2012.

Credit: TheWeek

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