As the world mourns the death of one of the most popular Pope’s in history, the speculation over who the next Pope will be continues to grow. One of the questions on many people’s minds across the world is who will succeed Pope John Paul II and who will be the next person to lead the 1.1 billion Roman Catholics?
The world can remember that in fact Pope John Paul was very much an outsider in who would be chosen as Pope in 1978, and was the first Pope to be elected from outside Rome in 455 years.
It is impossible to print a list of potential candidates as potentially all baptised male Catholics may be elected as Pope. However, here is a list of the main candidates that press and religious leaders are touting as favourites to be the next Pope (list produced in simple alphabetical order):
1) Fracis Arinze - Nigerian
DOB: 1/11/1932
Cardinal Francis Arinze was the Vatican’s main coordinator for Islamic relations for nearly 20 years. Huge speculation has arisen that he could become the first African Pope in more than 1,500 years.
He is known as a firm theological expert, and was born into a animist village until he was converted to Catholicism and baptised at the age of nine.
Currently he is heading the Vatican Divine Worship department.
2) Jorge Mario Bergoglio – Argentine
DOB: 17/12/1936
Currently this candidate is the Archbishop of Buenos Aires and is well-known for his great humility. In Argentina’s capital city he lives in a simple flat and travels via public transport, and is often seen on the city’s buses.
Throughout his time as Archbishop, Bergoglio has often promoted basic biblical values as well as giving a definite spiritual focus to his ministry. In 2001 he helped to manage a synod of bishops that had gathered in Rome. However, many have said the fact that he belongs to a Jesuit order may be held against him as no Pope has ever come from the Jesuits, as its members are told to avoid Church honours and to serve the Pope himself.
3) Dario Castrillon Hoyos – Colombian
DOB: 04/07/1929
