(OPINION) As Pope Francis, the current pontiff of the Catholic Church continues to navigate his tenure amidst health concerns, speculation has ramped up about who might succeed him.
This intrigue is further fueled by historical and mystical narratives like the “Prophecy of the Popes,” attributed to Saint Malachy, which suggests that Pope Francis might be the last pope before the end of the world.
Here’s an examination of the leading candidates for the next papacy and a brief look at the prophecy’s influence.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin – Currently the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Parolin has emerged as a prominent figure due to his long service under Pope Francis.
His diplomatic background and alignment with Francis’s vision make him a notable candidate.
His moderate stance and administrative skills are seen as assets, but his association with some controversial Vatican financial dealings might be a double-edged sword.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – Often referred to as the “Asian Francis,” Tagle has a charismatic presence and has been involved in significant roles within the Vatican, notably as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
His potential to represent the changing demographics of the Church towards Asia adds to his candidacy.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo – From the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ambongo represents the growing influence of the African Church. His conservative stance, particularly on issues like same-sex blessings, has made him a figure of interest among traditionalist cardinals.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi – The Archbishop of Bologna and a key figure in Pope Francis’s peace initiatives, Zuppi’s involvement with the Community of Sant’Egidio underscores his commitment to dialogue and peace, traits that resonate with the current pontiff’s priorities.
Cardinal Marc Ouellet – A Canadian cardinal with a reputation for theological conservatism and administrative experience, Ouellet has served as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
His potential candidacy is sometimes overshadowed by controversies, particularly regarding abuse allegations during his time in Quebec.
Cardinal Peter Erdő – The Primate of Hungary, Erdő is known for his conservative theological views and could appeal to cardinals seeking a return to traditional teachings.
Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley – An American cardinal known for his efforts in tackling clergy sexual abuse, O’Malley’s candidacy could signify a focus on reform and transparency within the Church.
These names frequently surface in discussions about the next pope, though the election process remains opaque, with the conclave’s decisions often surprising observers.
The “Prophecy of the Popes” by Saint Malachy, published in 1590, lists 112 short phrases that allegedly describe each pope from Celestine II in 1143 until the end of time.
Pope Francis is supposedly described as “Peter the Roman,” the last in the sequence, leading to speculation about his role in end-times scenarios.
However, this prophecy is widely regarded by scholars as a 16th-century forgery, not penned by Malachy.
The interpretations of these mottos are often stretched to fit the popes they are meant to describe, highlighting the prophecy’s speculative and somewhat ambiguous nature.
While intriguing, the prophecy should be taken with skepticism, especially given its history and the vague nature of its descriptions.
The Catholic Church itself does not recognize the prophecy as authoritative or credible in official teachings.
