Who could be the next Pope? 6 possible names

Following the death of Pope Francis, the papal conclave will elect a new pope. Here are some of the contenders to become the next head of the Catholic Church.

Surrounded by world-famous paintings by Michelangelo, 137 cardinal electors will attend a meeting of the College of Cardinals in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, where they will be tasked with choosing the new leader of the Catholic church.

A silent election campaign is always ongoing inside Vatican City, especially when a Pope's health problems arise.

Pope Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease, spent five weeks at the Gemelli hospital after being admitted for a respiratory crisis in February that turned into double pneumonia.

In 2021, after undergoing colon surgery and spending 10 days in the hospital, he said that some people wanted him "dead" and were "preparing the conclave."

According to what Sky News understands , here are some of the possible candidates.

1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, who served as Cardinal Secretary of State under Pope Francis, is also seen as a favorite.

2. Matteo Zuppi, 69. The President of the Italian Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Bologna is another possible candidate.

He was the Pope's special envoy for the war in Ukraine, making trips to Kiev, Moscow, Beijing and Washington.

3. Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, 59. The Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education is another possible candidate.

The Portuguese cardinal is also a member of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

4. Peter Erdo, 72. The Hungarian cardinal was mentioned as a possible papal candidate during the last conclave.

He has also served as president of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Europe.

5. Cristobal Lopez Romero, 72 years old

The Spanish Archbishop of Rabat moved to Morocco in 2003 after a long period of pastoral work in Latin America, particularly in Paraguay.

He is a member of the Salesians - a congregation of men in the Catholic church.

6. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 59 years old

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was made a cardinal by Pope Francis two years ago.

He has devoted himself to the Middle East, facing several crises, including the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Last Christmas, he celebrated Mass at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza.

Who chooses the new Pope?

Only cardinals under the age of 80 can participate in the papal conclave.

As of today, there are 252 cardinals, 137 of whom are cardinal electors.