The main candidates considered for the next pope as of May 2025 include:

• Cardinal Pietro Parolin : The Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is seen as a leading contender and a natural heir to Pope Francis' legacy. He is a seasoned diplomat with experience in Venezuela, Nigeria, Mexico, and China, known for his moderate and prudent approach. Parolin is capable of handling complex geopolitical challenges and is considered one of the few cardinals who could engage effectively with global leaders like Trump, Xi Jinping, or Putin

• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi : Archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian bishops' conference, Zuppi is viewed as a continuity candidate close to Francis. He is known for his progressive stance, involvement in peace efforts (notably in Ukraine), and ties to the Sant’Egidio community, which focuses on social services. His election would likely cement Francis' legacy

• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle : From the Philippines, Tagle is often called the "Asian Francis" due to his missionary spirit and emphasis on social justice, including compassion toward LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized groups. He oversees the Church's evangelization efforts at the Vatican and represents a potential first Asian pope, appealing to those seeking greater diversity and representation

• Cardinal Péter Erdő : Archbishop of Budapest, Erdő is a traditionalist candidate opposing some of Francis' reforms, such as communion for divorced/remarried Catholics and blessings for gay couples. He is diplomatic and multilingual but his conservative stance might be seen as a rejection of Francis' legacy, which could divide the electors

• Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa : Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa is considered a compromise candidate known for his ability to bridge divides in a conflict-ridden region and for his prudent financial management. His relative youth (60) could mean a long papacy, which some cardinals might find risky

Other notable names occasionally mentioned include Cardinal Robert Sarah, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Cardinal Anders Arborelius, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, though they are less frequently cited as front-runners

. In summary, the papal conclave is unpredictable, but the top candidates combine diplomatic experience, pastoral sensitivity, and varying degrees of continuity or change from Pope Francis' policies