Will Pope Francis Resign and Who are His Potential Successors?

Pope Francis has come down with a serious illness that could potentially force him to resign. But who would succeed him?

The Pope has been in the hospital for about a week under what has been described as “serious circumstances.” Recently, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi suggested that the Pope could potentially choose to resign. However, he mentioned that the 88-year-old pontiff is a fighter and might want to stay on until at least this year’s Jubilee. But the question is, can a sitting Pope resign? And who will succeed him as the next head of the Catholic Church?

Can Pope Francis Resign?

The short answer to this question is yes, the pope can resign from his position should he choose to. However, such an action is exceptionally rare as the pontiff’s position is considered a lifelong service.

Few popes have resigned, and only one has done so in the modern era. Pope Benedict XVI made the unexpected decision to resign in 2013, leading to the selection of Pope Francis as the first pontiff from South America.

Arrival Of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Credits: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Pope John Paul II reportedly debated whether or not to leave his position, but never did. Meanwhile, Pope Pius XII, who served during WWII, drafted a document stating that in the event of his kidnapping, he should be assumed to have vacated his post, and a successor should be chosen immediately. However, no confirmation of Pius XII’s decision has ever been discovered.

Who will be Pope Francis’s Successor?

Several cardinals could succeed Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church. This process involves an isolated conclave where all cardinals under 80 vote by secret ballot, which occurs four rounds a day. When a candidate receives two-thirds of the vote, the dean asks the candidate if he accepts the responsibility. If the chosen cardinal says yes, they select a papal name and are given their vestments.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state since 2013, is the highest-ranking cardinal in a potential upcoming conclave. A 70-year-old from Veneto, Italy, he is known as a moderate figure rather than leaning towards either political extreme. Parolin has played a key role in Vatican diplomacy and frequently comments on global issues.

“Everyone can contribute to peace, but solutions must never be pursued through unilateral impositions that risk trampling on the rights of entire peoples, otherwise, there will never be a just and lasting peace,” Parolin said in a recent interview with L’Eco di Bergamo.

Cardinal Peter Erdö

Cardinal Péter Erdő, a 72-year-old Hungarian, is a prominent conservative voice within the Catholic Church. A former president of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, he is known for his deep devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Erdő has strongly opposed allowing divorced or remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, citing the indissolubility of marriage. He has also sparked controversy by comparing refugee intake to human trafficking. Made a cardinal in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, Erdő remains an influential figure in Vatican circles.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a 67-year-old Filipino, is a prominent figure in the Catholic Church and would be the first Asian pope if elected. Currently serving as the pro-prefect for the section of first evangelization in the Dicastery for Evangelization, he was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his progressive stance, Tagle has aligned with Pope Francis in advocating for a more compassionate Church.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke

Cardinal Raymond Burke, a Wisconsin-born prelate, is known for his outspoken traditionalist views. Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, he has been a vocal critic of Pope Francis’s more progressive approach to church doctrine. Burke strongly opposes allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive the Eucharist and has criticized the Church’s evolving stance on artificial contraception, civil marriages, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He has also argued that Catholic politicians who support legalized abortion, including President Joe Biden, should be denied the Eucharist.