Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has commenced the solemn process of selecting a new Pontiff. A total of 135 cardinals from across the globe are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, the sacred gathering where the next Pope will be chosen. Among these electors, 18 are of African origin, marking the continent’s growing influence within the global Catholic hierarchy.

Distribution of Electors by Region

While the College of Cardinals consists of 252 members, only those under the age of 80 hold the right to cast votes in the conclave. These voting cardinals, known as cardinal electors, make up 135 of the total. Europe holds the largest share of this group with 53 electors. Asia follows with 23, while Africa contributes 18 cardinal electors. South America comes next with 17, and North America has 16 eligible cardinals. Both Central America and Oceania have four representatives each, making them the regions with the fewest electors.

African Cardinals with Voting Rights

The African cardinals expected to vote in the conclave include:

• Fridolin Besungu – Democratic Republic of Congo

• Ignace Dogbo Bessi – Ivory Coast

• Stephen Brislin – South Africa

• Arlindo Furtado – Cape Verde

• Antoine Kambanda – Rwanda

• Jean-Pierre Kutwa – Ivory Coast

• John Njue – Kenya

• Dieudonné Nzapalainga – Central African Republic

• Peter Okpaleke – Nigeria

• Philippe Nakellentuba Ouédraogo – Burkina Faso

• Protase Rugambwa – Tanzania

• Robert Sarah – Guinea

• Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel – Ethiopia

• Desire Tsarahazana – Madagascar

• Peter Turkson – Ghana

• Jean-Paul Vesco – Algeria

• Cristobal Romero – Morocco

• Stephen Ameyu Mulla – South Sudan

These cardinals represent the geographic, cultural, and theological diversity of the African continent and play a vital role in shaping the future leadership of the Church.

Pope Francis’ Legacy and Appointments

Of the 135 current voting cardinals, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis, demonstrating his influence on the Church’s direction. The remaining electors were named by former Popes—22 by Benedict XVI and five by Saint John Paul II. These appointments reflect various theological and regional perspectives, setting the stage for a complex and dynamic papal election.

Leading Contenders to Succeed Pope Francis

While the election process remains confidential, some names have emerged as strong possibilities to succeed Pope Francis. These include:

• Peter Erdo – Hungary

• Matteo Zuppi – Italy

• Robert Sarah – Guinea

• Luis Antonio Tagle – Philippines

• Malcolm Ranjith – Sri Lanka

• Pietro Parolin – Italy

• Pierbattista Pizzaballa – Jerusalem

• Fridolin Besungu – DR Congo

• Willem Eijk – Netherlands

• Anders Arborelius – Sweden

• Charles Maung Bo – Myanmar

• Jean-Marc Aveline – France

These individuals represent a blend of conservative, reformist, and diplomatic backgrounds, reflecting the broad ideological spectrum within the Church.

Congregations Begin at the Vatican

Following Pope Francis’ passing on Easter Monday, around 60 cardinals gathered for the first general congregation at the Vatican’s Synod Hall. This initial meeting, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, focused on arrangements for the Pope’s funeral. The College of Cardinals confirmed that the funeral would be held on Saturday.

More cardinals are expected to arrive in Rome in the coming days to attend subsequent general congregations. Wednesday morning will include the ceremonial transfer of Pope Francis’ body to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for public veneration.

Pre-Conclave Meetings and Strict Secrecy

The early congregations primarily handle logistical matters related to the funeral. However, discussions will soon transition to pre-conclave sessions. During these meetings, cardinals will deliberate on the spiritual and administrative needs of the Church, the current state of the Vatican bureaucracy (the Curia), and how the Church engages with the modern world.

Before the conclave begins, all voting cardinals will take an oath of secrecy. This oath prohibits any communication with the outside world—no use of phones, newspapers, television, or internet—throughout the election process. The vow is solemnly taken with a hand on the Gospels and includes a promise to protect the integrity of the election and avoid interference from secular forces.

The oath reads, in part:
“We promise and swear to observe with utmost fidelity, and with all persons whether clerical or lay, the strictest secrecy regarding everything that in any way relates to the election of the Roman Pontiff.”

The Voting Process Explained

The conclave typically begins with a ceremonial first round of voting, often symbolic in nature. Subsequent sessions involve two voting rounds in the morning and two in the afternoon, totaling four votes per day.

Each cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot and walks to the altar, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment painting looms. There, he declares aloud:
“I call as my witness Christ the Lord, who will be my judge, that I give my vote to the one who before God I believe should be elected.”

After placing his ballot into the receptacle, the cardinal bows and returns to his seat. A trio of designated cardinals collects and counts the votes, ensuring accuracy and fairness. If the number of ballots does not match the number of electors, the votes are discarded and a new round begins.

To be elected, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes cast. If no consensus is reached after multiple rounds, voting continues until one candidate reaches the required majority.