Erika Malandra The cardinals met in Rome for the general congregation. It was not just any meeting. They had to decide something big: the date of the conclave that will elect the successor di Pope Francesco, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. News that shocked the entire world.
Pope's successor, the cardinals prepare: the name of the favorite on the eve
In the meantime, the situation among the cardinal electors has quickly emerged. There are 135 with the right to vote. Or rather, they would be. Because at the roll call, that Monday, two were missing: Antonio Cañizares and Vinko Puljić. Both out of the game for health reasons. Therefore, 133 present.
The rules are clear: the conclave must begin between May 5 and 10. Only cardinals under 80 years of age, on the date of the death of the Pope, can cross the doors of the Sistine Chapel.
And among the murmurs and rumors, one name stands out more than the others: Pietro Parolin.
Secretary of State. An experienced man, accustomed to the Vatican corridors and the tables of international diplomacy. Parolin, 70 years old, could start with a package of 40 votes. Not a few. But history teaches us: whoever enters as Pope, leaves as cardinal, often the one who seemed the big favorite to be the successor of the Pope then he doesn't get elected.
Parolin is not just any face. He has woven very delicate relationships with China, he knows Latin America like the back of his hand. He is seen as a point of balance between progressives and conservatives. A figure who, in confusing times, can reassure.
Pope Successor, the Conclave is Near: Here Are the Strongest Candidates
Of course, the race is not over.
Reinhard Marx, a German cardinal with a forthright character, said it clearly: “The conclave will not be long”. According to him, the name will come out in a few days. We need a Pope who knows how to talk to people. Who gives credibility to the Gospel, following the path opened by Francis.
Other names are on the table. Matteo Zuppi, bishop of Bologna, beloved by progressives and champion of migrants.
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, strong in Israeli-Palestinian dialogue but perhaps too young.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, from Congo, a powerful voice of African tradition.
Jean-Marc Aveline, from Marseille, attentive to suburbs and inclusion.
Luis Tagle, from the Philippines, seen by many as the “Asian Francis”.
And again Joseph Tobin and Willem J. Eijk, less media-oriented but still esteemed figures.
Meanwhile, the conclave is preparing.
Of the 135 electors, 108 were created by Francis.
A conclave in his image, one might say. With cardinals scattered across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
Young, old, religious people of all orders.
The youngest? Mykola Byčok, 45 years old. The oldest, Carlos Osoro Sierra, who just blew out 80 candles.
Rome holds its breath. Soon, a new Pope.