5 people in the race to be the next Pope: Is there an Indian too?

All eyes are now on the Vatican as the Catholic Church prepares for a quiet but important transition. With the passing of Pope Francis, the process to choose the next pope is about to begin– one that will shape the Church's path in the years to come.

In the coming days, the College of Cardinals– senior Church leaders from around the world– will gather inside the Sistine Chapel for the conclave, a closed-door vote to elect the new spiritual head. Papal elections have always been unpredictable, but this time the field appears more open than ever, largely due to the diverse appointments made by Pope Francis during his papacy, according to a report presented by The New York Times. While no Indian cardinal is being considered for the papacy, India will still have a significant role to play in this historic moment.

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As the Vatican prepares for the election of a new pope, several names have emerged as strong contenders. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths, experience, and visions for the future of the Church. Here's a look at the most talked-about names in the race, along with India's growing influence in the upcoming conclave. Note: This list is based on a report from The New York Times.

Cardinal Pizzaballa, 60, is being seen as a strong contender, thanks to his decades of work in Jerusalem. According to the report, even though he’s a newer member of the College of Cardinals, his calm leadership in a region often affected by conflict, and his distance from Vatican politics, make him someone many are keeping an eye on.

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At 70, Cardinal Parolin brings decades of experience in Church diplomacy. As the Vatican’s Secretary of State, he has managed major international relationships, including with China and Vietnam. His calm, centrist leadership style and deep knowledge of Church governance position him as a leading candidate.

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, 65, Archbishop of Kinshasa, has been considered a potential pope since 2019. Pope Francis has urged the Church to focus more on Africa, where Catholicism is growing. Ambongo, a conservative voice in the African Church, was part of Francis’ advisory group but opposed the 2023 ruling to bless homosexual couples. Choosing an African pope would break with tradition, despite Africa’s significant Catholic population.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, from the Philippines, known as the "Asian Francis," has long been seen as a top papal contender. Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, he would be the first pope from Southeast Asia. A close ally of Pope Francis, Tagle is known for his warm, approachable style and focus on the poor. He helped prepare for Francis’ visits to Asia, including an 11-day tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Tagle has addressed divisive Church issues like the inclusion of gay people and communion for divorced Catholics. While he was considered a promising candidate in 2013, he was deemed too young at the time.

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Cardinal Zuppi, 69, from Italy, is recognized for his efforts in peace and social justice. Supported by the powerful Sant’Egidio community and selected by Pope Francis for important diplomatic roles, Zuppi embodies a mix of tradition and progressive values.

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Although no Indian is currently being considered for the papacy, four Indian cardinals will take part in electing the next pope, marking the largest Indian representation in a conclave to date. According to a report presented by India Today, among them is Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, 72, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, who also leads major Catholic organizations across Asia and India. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, 64, head of the Syro-Malankara Church in Kerala, is known for his active role in interfaith dialogue. Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, Archbishop of Hyderabad, makes history as the first Dalit cardinal in the Church. The youngest in the group, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, originally from Kerala and now based in the Vatican, oversees interreligious dialogue and has been coordinating papal visits since 2021.