The death of Pope Francis on Monday has set in motion an intricate process to select his successor, with several prominent cardinals from across the globe positioned as potential candidates to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

According to New York Post, experts predict the next pontiff will likely steer the Catholic Church toward a more centrist position following Francis' progressive 12-year tenure that included controversial stances on LGBTQ issues and traditional Latin Mass.

The selection process will begin within 20 days, bringing together 120 eligible cardinals under age 80 for the conclave at the Vatican. Four daily ballots will determine the next pope, with a two-thirds majority required for election. After 30 rounds of voting, only the top two candidates will remain eligible.

Leading Candidates From Asia and Europe

Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines stands as a prominent contender at age 67. Despite being considered Francis' protégé, recent allegations about his leadership of Vatican charity Caritas International may have diminished his chances.

His progressive views on communion for non-sacramentally married couples and homosexuality have drawn attention from Vatican observers.

Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, serving as Vatican Secretary of State, brings substantial diplomatic experience to his candidacy.

At 70 years old, his balanced approach combines some conservative positions with practical diplomatic work, including engagement with Communist China. His global experience makes him a strong contender according to Vatican analysts.

French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66, has emerged as what many consider Francis' preferred successor. His scholarly background and agreeable personality have earned him support, particularly among progressive church factions. However, his advocacy for decentralization within the church structure has raised concerns among traditionalists.

Conservative Voices in the Running

Dutch Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk represents a more traditional approach to Catholic doctrine. The 71-year-old physician and theologian has maintained firm positions against same-sex blessings and gender therapy, while also opposing women's ordination. His stance appeals to conservative elements within the church.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith of Sri Lanka offers a unique combination of qualities at age 77. As Archbishop of Colombo, his election would mark a historic shift by installing the first Asian pope. Vatican expert Serenhedd James, editor of Britain's Catholic Herald magazine, shared his perspective:

Whoever is elected will be of a centrally conservative disposition; after 12 years of Pope Francis 'stirring things up,' I think the cardinals will want someone who will take a different, calmer approach.

Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79, stands out as perhaps the most traditionally orthodox candidate. His public criticism of Francis' policies, particularly regarding restrictions on the Latin Mass and same-sex couple blessings, has earned him strong support among conservative Catholics. His election would make him the first African pope since the fifth century.

Vatican Succession Protocol and Historical Context

The conclave process follows strict traditional guidelines established over centuries. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, will play a crucial behind-the-scenes role during the selection process, leveraging his extensive knowledge of both veteran and newly appointed cardinals.

Rev. Patrick Mary Briscoe, editor of Our Sunday Visitor magazine, emphasizes the significant changes Francis made to the College of Cardinals during his papacy. The late pontiff's appointments have created a body of cardinals who share close familiarity with one another, potentially influencing the selection dynamics.

While technically any baptized male Catholic could become pope, history suggests such an outcome is highly improbable. Kean University history professor Christopher Bellitto notes that selecting a non-cardinal hasn't occurred since 1378, when such a choice triggered a significant church schism resulting in multiple concurrent popes.

Path Forward After Francis Era

The upcoming conclave marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church as it seeks to balance traditional values with modern challenges. The selected candidate will need to address internal governance issues while maintaining the church's global influence and unity.

Several voting rounds may be necessary before white smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signaling the selection of the new pope. The process could extend for days or even weeks as cardinals deliberate on this crucial decision.

Next Steps in Papal Transition

Pope Francis' death at age 88 concluded a transformative papacy that pushed the Catholic Church in progressive directions through his positions on LGBTQ Catholics and traditional Latin Mass. The conclave of 120 cardinals will gather at the Vatican within 20 days to select his successor through a carefully structured voting process.

The frontrunners represent diverse backgrounds and theological positions, from Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines to Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. Whoever emerges as the next pope will face the challenge of leading the world's 1.4 billion Catholics while addressing internal church governance and doctrinal clarity, as the institution navigates an increasingly complex global landscape.