🙏 The world awaits the smoke.

The question is no longer if the conclave will surprise us.

It's how.

Will we see continuity, compromise, or a counter-revolution?

From climate to war, from abuse reform to declining faith in the West, the new Pope's agenda will be massive.

This election will define the Catholic Church's direction well into the 21st century.

The next Pope will inherit not only a Church in transition, but also a world in crisis.

He will have to be a spiritual leader, moral voice, diplomat and symbol. All at once.

The conclave is now underway.

Votes are cast twice daily. White smoke will announce new Pope.

Two-thirds majority is required, which is not easy task in a divided Church.

The College may also look at other names:

- José Tolentino (Portugal). Young, intellectual, open to reform.
- Mario Grech (Malta). Synod leader, moderate reformist.
- Robert Sarah (Guinea). Traditionalist, but unlikely due to age (79) and polarization.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa (60), Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Outsider. Known of courage, dialogue, and youth.
✅ Pros: Peace credentials, symbolic of Middle East relevance.
⚠️ Cons: New cardinal, little curial power base.

Could emerge as a surprise consensus if votes are deadlocked.

Peter Turkson (76), Ghanaian cardinal, former Vatican official.

Moderate. Strong voice on ecology and justice.
✅ Pros: Balanced profile, potential first African pope in centuries.
⚠️ Cons: Age, management doubts, no clear voting bloc.

A possible compromise if top factions stall.

Péter Erdo (72), Archbishop of Budapest.

Conservative. Scholar. Firm on doctrine and tradition.
✅ Pros: Unifier for tradiotionalists, experienced.
⚠️ Cons: Polarizing for moderates and progressives.

Would represent a clear break from Francis's pastoral shift.

Matteo Zuppi (69), Archbishop of Bologna.

Progressive. Peace mediator. Beloved by reformers.
✅ Pros: Pastoral, humble, respected in Europe and Africa.
⚠️ Cons: Divisive for traditionalists; might be seen as "too political".

Could deepen the Church's social justice focus.

Luis Antonio Tagle (67), from the Philippines.

Progressive. Charismatic. Closest to Francis in style and vision.
✅ Pros: Global voice, beloved in Asia and Latin America.
⚠️ Cons: Curial inexperience; may face resistance from conservatives.

Could continue Francis's legacy with warmth and openness.

Pietro Parolin (70), Vatican Secretary of State.

Moderate. Diplomatic. Known as a bridge-builder.
✅ Pros: Experienced, respectec, centrist.
⚠️ Cons: Seen as a "curial insider", lacks pastoral charisma.

He could unite the middle ground and calm tensions.

So, who are the leading candidates the papabili?

Here are the main contenders, each with distinct profiles, ideologies, and strategic positions within the Church 👇

Even though most electors are Francis appointees, they are not a uniform bloc.

Some are reformers. Others are cautious moderates.
A few were appointed for balance, not alignment.
In conclaves, alliances form quickly and unexpectedly.

Let's start with the electors.

The College of Cardinals is more international than ever:

- More than 90 countries.
- Non-Europeans now outnumber Europeans.
- But Italy still has te most cardinals and strong influence.

The next election will be shaped by competing visions:

- Reform vs Tradition.
- Pastoral openness vs Doctrinal clarity.
- A Global Church vs Eurocentric roots.
- Dialogue vs Identity preservation.

Over 110 of the 136 voting cardinals were appointed by Francis. But don't assume they'll ellect a carbon copy.

In 2013, conservative cardinals stunned the world by choosing a reformer: Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

This post was so necessary to enable a realisation that people like us with the necessary know how to keep information safe in a digital landscape should actively share that with other people from other professions for a larger secured society.

This has made me reflect on the growing #Spaniards in Ireland. And it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that in the future, Spanish bands and marches could participate in the official St. Patrick's Day parade.