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Several Black cardinals have emerged as frontrunners to become the next pope.
Due to reforms by Pope Francis, the field of candidates is more wide open than ever. The late pope changed the composition of the body that will elect his successor, adding representation from across the world. An old, unwritten rule automatically made bishops of certain dioceses into cardinals. Francis, instead, gave red hats to bishops in parts of the world that had never had them before, including Tonga, Haiti, and Papua New Guinea.
Still, electors will consider cardinals who have the skills, experience, and personality suitable for leading the Roman Catholic Church. Age could also remain a factor in the papal election, as the last two conclaves opted for older popes to ensure shorter pontificates.
Contenders for Francis' successor include 76-year-old Peter Turkson of Ghana and 79-year-old Robert Sarah of Guinea, both of whom would be the first Black pope in centuries, CNN reports.
Turkson has previously been vocal about issues including the climate crisis, poverty, and economic justice. He has historically held traditional views on the priesthood, marriage between a man and a woman, and homosexuality. However, Turkson has argued that laws in many African countries regarding sexuality are too harsh. The cardinal has also spoken out about corruption and human rights.
Sarah is known as a traditional, Orthodox cardinal who has framed himself as a "parallel authority" to Francis. In 2020, Sarah wrote a book with the former Pope Benedict that defended clerical celibacy, an act that was seen as a challenge to Francis' authority. Sarah has spoken out against gender ideology and Islamic fundamentalism.
Following Francis' reforms as pope, electors will be faced with the question of whether to go in a new direction or go for continuity.
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