| Name | Country | Age | Roles | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle | Philippines | 67 |
- Cardinal-Bishop of San Felice da Cantalice a Centocelle (pro hac vice) - President, Catholic Biblical Federation - Grand Chancellor, Pontifical Urbaniana University |
Popular progressive voice, known for pastoral charisma, evangelization, and close ties to Pope Francis. |
| Cardinal Pietro Parolin | Italy | 70 |
- Secretary of State (since 2013) - Member, Council of Cardinals (since 2014) |
Vatican’s top diplomat, moderate in theology, deeply embedded in Curia politics. |
| Cardinal Péter Erdő | Hungary | 72 |
- Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest - Primate of Hungary (since 2003) |
Leading conservative theologian, canon law expert, seen as a guardian of doctrinal orthodoxy. |
| Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke | USA | 76 |
- Former Archbishop of St. Louis - Former Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (2008–2014) - Patron, Sovereign Military Order of Malta (2014–2023) |
Vocal critic of Pope Francis, staunch traditionalist, well-known in conservative circles. |
| Cardinal Matteo Zuppi | Italy | 69 | - Archbishop of Bologna (since 2015) | Seen as a bridge-builder, linked to the Sant’Egidio Community, with progressive leanings and a reputation for diplomacy and dialogue. |
| Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk | Netherlands | 71 |
- Archbishop of Utrecht (since 2007) - Background: Medical doctor and moral theologian |
Conservative, bioethics expert, outspoken on traditional Church teachings. |
| Cardinal Mario Grech | Malta | 68 | - Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops (since 2020) | Central to Pope Francis’s synodal reform, regarded as a thoughtful moderate with strong administrative capabilities. |
| Cardinal Peter Turkson | Ghana | 76 |
- Head, Pontifical Academies of Sciences - Former Prefect, Dicastery for Integral Human Development - Former President, Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace |
Influential in issues of social justice, climate, and African Church development. |
| Cardinal Angelo Scola | Italy | 83 |
- Archbishop of Milan (2011–2017) - Former Patriarch of Venice |
Philosopher-theologian, long-time papal contender with traditional roots. Not eligible to vote due to age. |
| Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa | Italy | 59 | - Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem (since 2020) | Expert on interfaith relations in the Holy Land, Franciscan background, rising profile in recent years. |
Note: Cardinal Angelo Scola, at 83, is over the age limit of 80 and thus cannot vote in a conclave, though his influence in the Church remains noteworthy.
Hello, readers! Welcome to Listandwiki, your trusted source for detailed lists and insightful information on a variety of topics. Above is the complete list of Cardinals eligible to be Pope. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of the Catholic Church with a focus on the list of cardinals who could potentially become the next pope. Whether you’re curious about the list of cardinals eligible to be pope or eager to learn more about how a new pope is chosen, we’ve got you covered.
Above, you’ll find a detailed list of cardinals who are currently prominent figures in the Catholic Church and could be considered for the papacy. This list of cardinals includes key details like their age, roles, and profiles. Note that only cardinals under 80 years old can vote in a papal conclave, though all cardinals play influential roles.
🕊️What Is a Papal Election?
The selection of a new pope is a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, and the list of cardinals eligible to be pope is at the heart of this process. Known as a papal conclave, this secretive election brings together cardinals from around the world to choose the next leader of over a billion Catholics. At Listandwiki, we’re here to break it down for you.
A conclave occurs when the current pope dies or resigns. Only cardinals under 80 can vote, which is why the list of cardinals eligible to be pope is so crucial. These cardinals gather in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where they cast ballots until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority.
✒️The Role of the List of Cardinals
The list of cardinals isn’t just a collection of names—it’s a window into the future of the Church. These individuals, often called the "princes of the Church," advise the pope during his reign and step up to elect a new pope when the time comes. The list of cardinals eligible to be pope includes those who are under 80 and actively involved in shaping Church policy.
For example, someone like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, brings diplomatic expertise, while Cardinal Péter Erdő offers a conservative theological perspective. Understanding the list of cardinals helps us predict the direction a new pope might take.
👑How Does the Conclave Work?
The process of choosing a new pope is rich with tradition. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Preparation: Before the conclave, cardinals meet to discuss the Church’s challenges and potential candidates.
- Seclusion: The word "conclave" comes from Latin, meaning "with a key," symbolizing how cardinals are locked away to focus solely on the election.
- Voting: Ballots are cast in rounds—up to four per day—until a two-thirds majority is reached.
- Smoke Signals: Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney means no decision; white smoke announces a new pope.
The list of cardinals eligible to be pope drives this process, as these are the men voting and potentially being voted for.
🖼️Who Can Become the New Pope?
Technically, any baptized Catholic male could be elected pope, but in modern times, the new pope is almost always a cardinal. This is why the list of cardinals is so important—it’s essentially a shortlist of potential popes. While voting cardinals must be under 80, there’s no age limit for being elected, though older cardinals like Angelo Scola are no longer eligible to vote.
For more insights into the list of cardinals and their backgrounds, Listandwiki is your one-stop resource.
⛪Famous Popes in History
To appreciate the significance of the list of cardinals eligible to be pope, let’s look at some notable popes who emerged from similar lists in the past:
- Pope Francis: Elected in 2013 at age 76, he’s the first pope from the Americas, known for his humility and focus on social justice.
- Pope Benedict XVI: Chosen in 2005, he served until 2013, when he became the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
- Pope John Paul II: Elected in 1978, he led for 27 years and played a key role in global politics, including the fall of communism.
Each of these leaders was once part of a list of cardinals, showing how critical this group is in shaping the Church’s future.
📿What Makes a Cardinal a Papal Contender?
When speculating about the next pope, the list of cardinals eligible to be pope offers plenty of clues. Different cardinals bring unique strengths:
- Progressive Leaders: Cardinals like Luis Antonio Tagle and Matteo Zuppi are seen as forward-thinkers, possibly pushing for reform.
- Traditional Voices: Raymond Leo Burke and Willem Jacobus Eijk uphold conservative values, appealing to those who prioritize tradition.
- Global Perspectives: Peter Turkson from Ghana and Pierbattista Pizzaballa from Jerusalem reflect the Church’s growing diversity.
The list of cardinals eligible to be pope is diverse, ensuring a wide range of possibilities for the next pope.
🙏Why the List of Cardinals Matters to You
Whether you’re a Catholic, a history buff, or just curious, the list of cardinals eligible to be pope offers a glimpse into one of the world’s most influential institutions. At Listandwiki, we believe in providing accurate, reader-friendly information to help you understand complex topics like this one.
The list of cardinals shapes not only who the next pope will be but also the Church’s response to global issues like climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. By keeping an eye on this list, you’re staying informed about a process that affects millions worldwide.
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