Who will be the next pope after Francis?

MSN - 22/04
Speculation is already starting about most likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis as the next pontiff and pastoral leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. The conclave of cardinals has the final say.

There's an intercontinental array of possible successors to Pope Francis, with the initial strong contenders coming from Asia, Africa, North America and Europe.

Popes are elected in a secretive and highly ritualized process called a conclave, held in Vatican City's Sistine Chapel.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and typically about 120 of them participate. Below are some of the prospective pontiffs who will most likely be considered.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (67, Filipino, Vatican evangelization chief)

Dubbed the "Asian Francis" for his focus on social justice, Tagle is seen as the favorite in some quarters and would also be the first Asian pope — just like...
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