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Cardinals Who Could Succeed Pope Francis

by News Editor

April 22, 2025

Shortly, the Roman Catholic Church cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave, a secret ballot election, to choose a successor to Pope Francis. Among the top contenders for this sacred position are:

Leading Candidates to Succeed Pope Francis

Jean-Marc Aveline (France): The Archbishop of Marseille, elevated to cardinal in 2022, shares many of Pope Francis’s perspectives but has been cautious regarding the blessing of same-sex unions. Known for resemblance to Pope John XXIII, Aveline, at 66, might echo the past prediction of the next pope being John XXIV.

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Péter Erdő (Hungary): At 71, the Archbishop of Budapest and Primate of Hungary has long been a favorite. Having chaired the European Episcopal Conferences in 2005 and 2011, Erdő’s stance against same-sex marriage and his skepticism toward welcoming migrants suggest conservative support.

Pietro Parolin (Italy): As the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2014, 70-year-old Parolin is celebrated for his diplomacy, notably engaging in Middle East and China negotiations. However, the Vatican-China agreement of 2018 drew criticism over perceived concessions.

Marc Ouellet (Canada): The 80-year-old has repeatedly been considered for the papacy, even as recently as 2013. As a staunch conservative, Ouellet opposes same-sex marriage and female ordination even as deacon.

Luis Tagle (Philippines): Once deemed a rising star by Francis, Tagle, 67, has criticized harsh church language towards marginalized groups while promoting more inclusive church policies.

Matteo Zuppi (Italy): Known for his advocacy for the poor and migrants, Archbishop Zuppi, 69, also supports LGBTQ+ blessings, mirroring Pope Francis’s more progressive policies, yet he is against the ordination of women.

Fridolin Ambongo (Congo): At 65, the Archbishop of Kinshasa and a recent cardinal, Ambongo took a firm stand against same-sex blessings, labeling them inherently evil.

Robert Sarah (Guinea): Sarah, 79, is recognized for his devoutly conservative positions. Strongly opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, he often warns against the rise of Islam.

Mario Grech (Malta): As the Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops, Grech, 68, has shown a shift toward inclusivity, suggesting potential openness to female deacons.

Who Else Might Succeed Pope Francis?

Speculations are rife with nearly twenty cardinals under consideration. Names like Anders Arborelius, Charles Maung Bo, François-Xavier Bustillo, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Juan José Omella are often mentioned among possible papabili.

How is a New Pope Elected?

In the event of the pope’s passing, cardinals younger than 80 years will gather in the Sistine Chapel to undertake the conclave process. This crucial event happens between 15 and 20 days post-death. A two-thirds majority is necessary to elect a new pope. Unsuccessful rounds are noted by black smoke, while white smoke heralds the selection of a new pope. This traditional process sometimes extends several days; however, Pope Francis was elected in less than 24 hours.

Key Context

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, has died at 88 after pioneering a somewhat progressive papacy beginning in 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s historic resignation. His papal name honors St. Francis of Assisi, emulating a life dedicated to poverty.

During his tenure, Pope Francis advocated for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and criticized abortion laws, albeit taking a conservative stance against gender theory. In 2023, the Vatican declared priests could bless same-sex couples, but Francis later nuanced this stance, emphasizing blessings for love but not recognizing same-sex unions as marriages.

With bold calls for inclusive clerical participation and immigrant support, Pope Francis’s legacy is marked by a complex interplay of traditional and progressive values as the Cardinal Conclave looms on the ecclesiastical horizon.

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EU Goods Trade With Canada Grows In 2025 As Imports Rise Faster Than Exports

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 14, 2026

European Union goods exports to Canada increased by 1.2% in 2025 to €48.8 billion, while imports grew by 18% to €33 billion, narrowing the bloc’s trade surplus to €15.8 billion, according to Eurostat.

Despite the faster growth in imports, the EU continued to export substantially more goods to Canada than it imported. The figures point to expanding bilateral trade, with imports gaining ground more quickly than exports.

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Trade Expands Under CETA

EU exports to Canada rose from €48.2 billion in 2024, while imports increased from €28 billion. Overall, bilateral goods trade reached €81.8 billion in 2025.

The growth follows the provisional entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in September 2017. Between 2015 and 2017, EU-Canada goods trade grew by an average of 4.7% annually. From 2018 to 2025, its total value increased from €54.2 billion to €81.8 billion, equivalent to average annual growth of 6.1%.

Machinery And Pharmaceuticals Lead EU Exports

Industrial and high-value manufactured goods dominated EU exports to Canada in 2025. Machinery and mechanical appliances topped the list at €9.4 billion, accounting for 19.3% of total exports.

Pharmaceutical products ranked second at €5.5 billion, or 11.2%, closely followed by vehicles, cars, motorcycles and parts at €5.4 billion, representing 11.1%. Electrical machinery and equipment contributed €3.3 billion, or 6.7%, while optical, photographic and medical instruments accounted for €2 billion, equivalent to 4.1%.

Raw Materials And Industrial Goods Drive Canadian Imports

Canada’s exports to the EU were led by raw materials and industrial inputs. Ores, slag and ash formed the largest category, valued at €4 billion and accounting for 12.2% of EU imports from Canada.

Machinery and mechanical appliances followed at €3.8 billion, representing 11.4%. Mineral fuels, oils and distillation products reached €3.1 billion, or 9.4%, while aircraft, spacecraft and parts totalled €2.9 billion, accounting for 8.9%. Pharmaceutical products completed the top five at €1.9 billion, or 5.9%.

A Growing Trade Relationship

Eurostat’s figures show that EU-Canada goods trade continues to expand, although the balance is shifting as imports grow faster than exports. The EU remains a net exporter, while Canada supplies a mix of raw materials, energy-related products and manufactured goods.

The narrowing surplus highlights a more dynamic bilateral trade relationship, with both sides increasing their role in the exchange of industrial products and strategically important goods.