07/05/2025
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07/05/2025
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Today, the Catholic Church prepares for a momentous event as the eyes of believers around the world turn to the Vatican with anticipation and reverence, awaiting the emergence of a new shepherd to lead the Church in a time filled with challenges. This moment is among the holiest and most significant in the life of the Catholic Church, as the cardinals gather in an atmosphere of silence and prayer to elect the next leader of the universal Church. In this article, we will explore who a cardinal is, what their role entails, and how the Pope is elected.
Top Papal Candidates
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, age 67): Known as the “Asian Francis,” Tagle is a leading candidate representing the growing Catholic Church in Asia. He serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and is known for his moderate stance on issues like homosexuality and divorce, while remaining faithful to Catholic traditions.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is a strong contender due to his diplomatic experience. However, recent criticism regarding his handling of sexual abuse cases may affect his chances.
- Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary, 72): Archbishop of Budapest and the leading conservative candidate. Known for his traditional views, especially on migration and family values, he enjoys support from Eastern European political leaders.
- Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69): Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. A champion of dialogue and the marginalized, Zuppi is a prominent advocate of continuing Pope Francis’s reformist and open approach.
- Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (Democratic Republic of Congo, 65): Archbishop of Kinshasa and head of the African Bishops’ Conference. Renowned for his strong stance on social justice issues, he is a powerful voice from the African continent.
- Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France, 66): Archbishop of Marseille, known for his closeness to Pope Francis and his advocacy for hope and peace amid global unrest.
- Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy, 60): Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, a prominent voice on peace in the Middle East and a potential symbol of the Church’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
Who is a Cardinal? A cardinal is one of the senior clergy in the Catholic Church, considered a direct assistant and advisor to His Holiness the Pope in global church affairs. Cardinals are appointed by the Pope, and they are often archbishops of major regions or officials in the Vatican. They typically wear red, symbolizing their readiness to lay down their lives for the Church.
The Conclave (Secret Assembly): Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the date for the “conclave” was set at the Vatican to elect a new successor. This assembly includes all cardinals under the age of 80.
How the Election Takes Place: The cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican under strict secrecy, with all communication with the outside world cut off. The conclave begins with the cardinals taking an oath of secrecy and obedience. There are four voting rounds daily (morning and evening). A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected Pope. Ballots are burned after each round. If no one is elected, black smoke rises from the chimney. When a new pope is elected, white smoke is released, signaling to the world that a new Pontiff has been chosen. The chosen cardinal is then asked whether he accepts the role. If he agrees, he is asked what name he chooses for his papacy.
The election of a new Pope is not just a leadership transition – it is a living testimony of the Catholic Church’s belief that the Holy Spirit continues to work within it, guiding it through history. In a world torn by wars, divisions, and moral and cultural challenges, the faithful look with hope toward the one who will be chosen to become the successor of Peter and the Servant of the Servants of God.
The conclave – with its silence, prayer, and discernment – is more than just an election; it is a sacred time of invoking the light of the Holy Spirit and listening for God’s voice amid the noise of the world. Despite the diversity of candidates and visions, the Church hopes for a shepherd who bears the heart of Christ: compassionate, humble, bold in truth, and faithful in teaching. In these days, the whole Church – East and West – is called to accompany the conclave with prayer and supplication, that God may grant His Church a Pope who renews faith, strengthens unity, and leads the people of God into a future where the light of the Gospel shines anew. It is a time of grace, a time of responsibility, and a time that proclaims that the Church, despite all human weakness, remains the living Body of Christ in this world.
By Fr. Suleiman Heifawi
Catholic Church – State of Kuwait
Catholic Church – State of Kuwait
