Who will be the next pope?

·19 min·1 clip

Pope Francis has died, and names like Pietro Parolin and Fridolin Ambongo could become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

The episode begins by announcing the death of Pope Francis and his legacy of advocating for refugees and clashing with conservatives. Host Laura Byrne is joined by reporter Dermot Pepper, who details Francis's first papal trip to Lampedusa in 2013 to honor drowned refugees. Pepper explains that one of Francis's last public actions was rebuking J.D. Vance on immigration, emphasizing his consistent stance. The conversation shifts to interim leadership, with Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell serving as Camerlengo, overseeing funeral arrangements and ensuring conclave secrecy. The conclave process is outlined: cardinals under 80 vote in the Sistine Chapel, needing a two-thirds majority, typically over five ballots. Potential successors are discussed, including Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, seen as a continuity candidate, and figures from the global South like Louis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines and Fridolin Ambongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Demographic shifts are highlighted, with the church booming in Africa while declining in Europe, influencing the cardinals' perspectives. Pepper notes that an African or Asian Pope might be more traditional, citing Ambongo's rejection of blessing same-sex couples and African delegates' opposition to the term LGBTQ+. The episode explores ideological divides, with some cardinals seeking a defender of doctrine and others wanting to continue Francis's inclusive approach. Women's roles are addressed, with Francis appointing a nun to a senior Vatican body but delaying decisions on women becoming deacons. The episode concludes by considering whether this conclave could lead to significant reform, with Pepper suggesting Francis opened debates for future change rather than revolutionizing the church himself.

As heard by us

A clear guide to the conclave process and the demographic pressures shaping the church's next choice.

The Explainer frames papal succession as a question of church priorities, starting with Francis's advocacy for refugees and his first papal trip to Lampedusa before turning to the names around the conclave.

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Why you'd press play

Wondering who could follow Francis, how the choice works, and why the church's slow pace matters? Press play.

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