Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has entered a period known as sede vacante, which is Latin for “the seat being vacant”.
This triggers the centuries-old process of selecting the 266th Pontiff as 1.3 billion Catholics around the world mourn the death of Pope Francis, and also await news of who will take up the mantle of spiritual leadership.
Although there is no clear frontrunner, attention has turned to a number of high-ranking cardinals considered potential successors to the 266th pontiff, who led the Church from 2013 until his death at age 88.
According to reports by The Telegraph and CNBC, several cardinals have emerged as possible papabili, a term used to describe those considered likely to be elected Pope.
The list, according to western media, includes figures from various regions and theological leanings, some closely aligned with Pope Francis’ progressive vision and others representing a more conservative approach.
…The contenders
Among the top ten cardinals lined up is Ghanaian priest, Peter Turkson, who currently heads the Pontifical Academies of Sciences.
He had previously led the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and was the first prefect of the Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development.
The selection of a new pope will be decided during a conclave, a secretive gathering of eligible cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.0:00
The process is guided by long-established traditions and rituals, though the outcome is far from predictable.
The rest nine contenders are;
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Tagle holds the title of Cardinal-Bishop of San Felice da Cantalice a Centocelle (pro hac vice). He also serves as President of the Catholic Biblical Federation, Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University, and is actively involved in several Roman Curia departments.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
Parolin has been the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013 and joined the Council of Cardinals in 2014, the same year he was elevated to cardinal.
Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
Erdő has been Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and Primate of Hungary since 2003.
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (USA)
Burke is a prominent conservative figure in the Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of St. Louis and Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s highest court, from 2008 to 2014.
He was also Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta between 2014 and 2023.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)
Zuppi has been the Archbishop of Bologna since 2015 and previously served as an auxiliary bishop in Rome.
Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk (Netherlands)
Eijk, a former medical doctor and moral theologian, has been Archbishop of Utrecht since 2007 and became a cardinal in 2012.
Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta)
Then-Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo, Malta, applauds at the start of the first session of the synod for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2019. Pope Francis appointed him as secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops in 2020. Photo: CNS/Paul Haring
Grech has served as Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops since 2020, playing a pivotal role in the global synodal process.
Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy)
Scola is a seasoned theologian and philosopher who served as Archbishop of Milan from 2011 to 2017 and Patriarch of Venice before that.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM is an Italian Catholic prelate who has served as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since November 6, 2020.
…His passing
The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.
Farrel said the Pope died at exactly 7.35 am.:0 /
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His death comes hours after he greeted Catholic faithful who were at the Vatican on Sunday for the Easter mass.
The announcement by Cardinal Farrel read, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
It would be recalled that Pope has been undergoing recovery after he was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.
After 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
…Health history
The Pope was admitted on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.
Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.
In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.
As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass, which has yet to be announced.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.
The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
…Tinubu urges global action
In a personal tribute, Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Nigerian government and people to the Catholic Church, the global Catholic community, and Christians around the world.
He said: “As we mourn the late Pontiff, let us also celebrate his legacy. Let us honour him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”
Tinubu, who in his 2025 Easter message was delighted at seeing the Pontiff’s public appearance, described the timing of his death as a “sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.”
He described the late Pope as “a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor, and guiding light for millions,” noting that his spiritual leadership had transcended the boundaries of the Church to touch lives across the globe.
“He served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end. In 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.”
The president also noted with delight the Pope’s unrelenting advocacy for social justice, environmental stewardship, and peace, saying he was “an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity.”
“In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and between the rich and the poor. He was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions”, he said.
Tinubu lauded the Pope’s encyclicals and pastoral letters for providing not just doctrinal guidance but also spiritual clarity in a fast-changing and complex world.
“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant. He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds”, Tinubu noted.
Reflecting on the Pope’s voice in the global fight against climate change, Tinubu said the world had lost “its most trenchant voice for justice and action” in that area.
“May the good Lord, whom he served with all his might, receive him into His eternal bosom,” he said.
“May God Almighty grant His beloved servant eternal rest,” the tribute concluded.
…A towering figure of faith – CAN
In yet another tribute, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) described the late pontiff as “a towering figure of faith” whose influence transcended denominational boundaries and touched countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
In a statement signed Monday by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body said: “It is with deep sorrow that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who departed this life at the age of 88,” Archbishop Okoh said.
“On behalf of the national leadership of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to all who held dear his extraordinary leadership and boundless compassion.”
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ leadership, Archbishop Okoh highlighted the pontiff’s deep spiritual influence and his commitment to interfaith dialogue and social justice.
“Pope Francis was a towering figure of faith whose papacy radiated mercy, justice, and a profound love for humanity,” he stated.
“His legacy left an indelible mark on Nigeria, where he strengthened the Church by appointing Nigerian bishops and cardinals, affirming the vibrant faith of our people.”
The statement further emphasized Pope Francis’ efforts to promote unity and peace in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society.
His unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue brought hope for peace in our diverse nation, nurturing unity in the face of many challenges,” Archbishop Okoh said. (Additional reports from AFP)