• Pope Francis passed away, prompting discussions about his successor.
• Cardinals Jean-Marc Aveline and Peter Erdo are among the leading candidates.
• The conclave to elect the new pope will occur next month.
• A mix of conservative and progressive candidates is anticipated.
• Several contenders highlight commitments to social justice and pastoral care.

The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 on April 21 has initiated discussions about potential successors within the Catholic Church. An age-old Italian adage warns against placing undue confidence in presumed front-runners before the conclave, stating, "He who enters a conclave as a pope leaves it as a cardinal." The upcoming conclave will determine the new pontiff, with various cardinals being discussed as "papabili" to succeed him, according to Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Among the most talked-about candidates is Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the 66-year-old archbishop of Marseille, who could become the first French pope since the 14th century if elected. Known colloquially as John XXIV, he shares a resemblance in temperament to Pope John XXIII and has made significant strides in career, rising under Pope Francis' leadership. His ideological alignment with Francis on key issues such as immigration makes him a compelling candidate; however, his limited command of Italian might pose a challenge in navigating Church affairs in Rome, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Peter Erdo, the 72-year-old Hungarian archbishop, is another notable candidate. Seen as a compromise figure between conservative and progressive factions, he has significant experience and church contacts across Europe and Africa. Though he emphasizes conservative values, he has maintained a working relationship with Pope Francis. His opposition to Francis' stand on immigration during the 2015 migrant crisis created tension, but his pragmatism has kept him relevant in church discussions, as noted by trtglobal and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Mario Grech, aged 68, serves as the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops and has garnered attention for his role in promoting Pope Francis' reforms. Grech has a reputation for advocating greater acceptance of LGBT individuals within Church circles. His ability to navigate between both conservative and moderate camps, along with his existing familiarity with many cardinals, enhances his candidacy. Despite facing criticism from some traditionalists, his position within the Vatican gives him considerable influence, according to Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, aged 79 and the archbishop of Barcelona, embodies many values reflected in Pope Francis' leadership. He emphasizes social justice and pastoral care, advocating for the voices of the marginalized within the Church. His involvement in Spain's Manos Unidas charity reflects his commitment to addressing global poverty. However, his connection to recent scandals concerning clergy sexual abuse may impact his candidacy, particularly in a Church grappling with its legacy on such issues, according to Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, has served as the Vatican's secretary of state since the election of Pope Francis and is seen as a strong candidate for the papacy. His diplomatic experience and language skills make him an attractive choice for bridging divides between traditional and progressive views within the Church. He has been pivotal in various international reconciliations, although some conservative factions criticize his diplomatic ties with China. His background in Church diplomacy positions him as a likely candidate for those seeking a steadied approach following Francis' impactful tenure, as mentioned by Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, known as the "Asian Francis," is considered a potential leading candidate, as he could become the first pope from Asia. His extensive pastoral and administrative experience aligns with contemporary Catholic values, and his fluent Italian and English facilitate effective communication within the Vatican. However, his recent removal from the leadership post at Caritas Internationalis due to leadership issues raises questions about his current viability, as highlighted by Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, 72, symbolizes one of the more progressive candidates with a potential path to lead the Catholic Church as the first American pope. His involvement in navigating sexual misconduct scandals demonstrates a level of transparency and accountability in church governance. While it remains uncertain whether the conclave would embrace an American as pope, Tobin's international experience and commitment to inclusivity make him a candidate worth noting, according to Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Finally, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson stands as a significant candidate based on his extensive experience and visibility in the global Catholic community. His journey from humble beginnings in Ghana to his influential role within the Vatican reflects his suitability for the papacy. His commitment to social justice and proactive approach to pressing global issues also adds to his candidacy's appeal, as illustrated by discussions from Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna, has also been discussed as a potential candidate. His down-to-earth approach and focus on the marginalized resonate with Pope Francis's vision. However, concerns regarding the Italian Catholic Church's handling of abuse cases may affect perceptions of his candidacy. Zuppi's diplomatic efforts as a papal envoy on various international issues further demonstrate his capacity to lead within a changing church environment, drawing attention from Reuters, trtglobal, and Channel News Asia.