Pope Francis passes away: Who could be the next Pope?

Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making an look at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican mentioned in a press release.
“This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” mentioned Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the assertion printed by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
“He taught us to reside the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, braveness, and common love, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized… With immense gratitude for his instance as a real disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune,” he added.
‘Pope Francis has returned to the home of the Father’: Vatican in video statement – follow live updates
Now the Pope died, many are questioning who could be next in line.

Who will be the next Pope?

As of January 22, 2025, the conclave regulations specify that among the 252 cardinals, only 138 electors are eligible to participate. The age restriction mandates that only cardinals below 80 years can cast their votes in the confidential balloting process held at the Sistine Chapel, the Independent reported.
The voting procedure consists of four daily rounds that continue until a candidate secures a significant two-thirds majority. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website, this electoral process generally extends between 15 to 20 days.
Several prominent Cardinals are considered potential successors, including: