Who is the New Pope?

Yes, the new pope has already been chosen, however, the world still does not know, See Who is the New Pope? below in this article.

Certainly, while the bells of St. Peter's Basilica remain silent and the white smoke has not yet risen into the Roman sky, the corridors of the Vatican are teeming with discreet movements, silent alliances and decisions that will shape the future of the Catholic Church.

Thus, the choice of Francis' successor is not just a spiritual matter; it is also a strategic move that reflects the tensions, hopes and challenges of an ancient institution facing a world in constant transformation.

In this article, we will delve behind the scenes of the 2025 conclave, understand the profile sought by the cardinal electors, analyze the main candidates and, in the end, present a provocative analysis of who, most likely, has already been chosen to lead the Church in the coming years.

The Conclave of 2025: Tradition and Modernity at Stake

The conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025, will bring together 135 cardinals under the age of 80 in the Sistine Chapel, in a process that combines centuries-old tradition with the challenges of the contemporary world.

During the conclave, the cardinals remain isolated from the outside world, without access to the media, in an environment of prayer, reflection and secret voting.

The election requires a two-thirds majority of the votes, and if there is no consensus after three days, a day is set aside for prayer and reflection before voting resumes.

This conclave is particularly significant as it follows the pontificate of Francis, who marked the Church with a pastoral approach focused on inclusion, social justice and interreligious dialogue.

The choice of the new pope will indicate whether the Church will continue in this direction or seek a return to more conservative positions.

The Main Candidates: Between Continuity and Change

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Known as the “Asian Francis”, Tagle is seen as continuing the reforms initiated by Francis.

Archbishop of Manila and current pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Tagle is charismatic, communicative and an advocate for social justice.

His election would represent a significant opening to Asia, a region where Catholicism has shown growth.

However, his management at Caritas International has faced criticism, which could weigh against his candidacy.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

The current Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin is an experienced diplomat, known for his role in international negotiations, such as the agreement with China on the appointment of bishops.

His election would represent a return of the papacy to Italy after three non-Italian pontiffs.
Parolin is seen as a moderate, capable of dialoguing with different factions within the Church.

However, his lack of direct pastoral experience may be a point of questioning.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is close to Pope Francis and known for his work in conflict mediation and defense of immigrants.

Linked to the Community of Sant'Egidio, Zuppi is seen as a progressive, with strong pastoral activity.

His election could represent a continuation of Francis' reforms, with an emphasis on inclusion and dialogue.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Archbishop of Kinshasa, Ambongo is a strong voice in the defense of human rights and social justice in Africa.

His election would represent the selection of the first African pope, reflecting the continent's growing importance in the Catholic Church.

Ambongo combines traditional views with a commitment to peace and criticism of political corruption in his country.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)

Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Erdő is a respected theologian and expert in Canon Law.

He was president of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences and is one of the leading figures in European conservatism.

His election could signal a more traditional shift in the church after Francis' progressive pontificate.

The Profile Wanted: A Pope for the 21st Century

More than choosing a name, the cardinals are looking for a profile that can lead the Church in the face of contemporary challenges.

The new pope will need to be a skilled diplomat, capable of engaging with different cultures and religions, as well as dealing with internal issues such as the abuse crisis and the need for reforms in the Roman Curia.

Furthermore, the new pontiff is expected to have pastoral sensitivity, closeness to the faithful and the ability to communicate effectively, especially with young people.

The choice will reflect the Church's desire to position itself in the modern world, maintaining its tradition but also adapting to new realities.

Behind the Scenes of Choice: Signs and Clues

Although the process is secret, some signs may indicate the direction of the choice.

Discreet movements, private meetings and the absence of certain names at strategic events suggest that the decision is closer than one might imagine.

Furthermore, there is communication preparation being done behind the scenes, with sectors of the press already having material ready, which never happens by chance.

History shows that the conclave can surprise. John Paul II, for example, was not the favorite.

Francis also emerged as an “outsider” compared to the European favorites.

Thus, it is still possible that the world will be surprised by the choice of a less expected name, which represents a new direction for the Church.

Conclusion: The New Pope and the Future of the Church

The election of the new pope is a crucial moment for the Catholic Church.

It represents not only the continuity of an ancient tradition, but also the opportunity for renewal and adaptation to the challenges of the 21st century.

The new pontiff will have the mission of uniting the faithful, promoting social justice, dialoguing with other religions and cultures, and leading the Church in a constantly changing world.

Although the name has not yet been officially announced, signs indicate that the decision has already been made.

The world can only wait for the white smoke and discover the new spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics.

Whoever it is, his election will mark the beginning of a new era for the Church, with challenges and opportunities that will shape its future for years to come.