Pope Francis, a saintly figure and reformer of the Catholic Church, has passed away. The faithful across the globe are now looking toward who will succeed him. The new pope will be elected through the papal conclave. While the Vatican has not given any hints about the next pope, news agency Reuters reports that eight names are prominently being considered.

 1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin – 70 years – Italy
Cardinal Pietro Parolin is known for welcoming Pope Francis' positions. In 2014, Pope Francis elevated him to the position of cardinal. Currently serving as the Vatican's Secretary of State, he has worked closely with Pope Francis for the past 11 years.

2. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu – 65 years – Democratic Republic of Congo
President of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar. He received Pope Francis' blessing during an emergency meeting in 2023. A spokesman for traditional values, Besungu is one of the prominent African voices in the Church.

 3. Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk – 71 years – Netherlands
Cardinal Eijk, aged 71, is a strong advocate of traditional Catholic values. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. A theologian and physician by training, he is a leading conservative voice in the Church.

4. Cardinal Péter Erdő – 72 years – Hungary
Born in Hungary, Cardinal Erdő is the former President of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe. He plays a key role in the governance of the contemporary Catholic Church. Pope John Paul II appointed him cardinal in 2003.

 5. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – 67 years – Philippines
Often referred to as the "Asian Pope Francis," Tagle is a prominent figure among Vatican observers and betting circles. Known for his social outreach and critical stance on the Church’s views regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced-and-remarried Catholics. He became the seventh Filipino cardinal when he was elevated in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. If elected, he would be the first pope from Asia.

6. Cardinal Raymond Burke – 76 years – USA
A 76-year-old American cardinal who has often criticized Pope Francis’ liberal views. A native of Wisconsin and former Archbishop of St. Louis, Burke was made a cardinal in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.

7. Cardinal Mario Grech – 67 years – Malta
Currently serving as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. A key supporter of Pope Francis' reforms, Grech was elevated to cardinal in 2020 by Pope Francis.

8.Cardinal Matteo Zuppi – 69 years – Italy
President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Zuppi was born in Rome and maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis. He led the Pope’s peace efforts in Ukraine. He was made cardinal in 2019 by Pope Francis.