In the wake of Pope Francis’s death, the College of Cardinals is preparing for a conclave that may reshape the future of the Catholic Church. With 80% of the electors appointed by Pope Francis, this vote is unlike any before. As the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, he broke tradition by appointing cardinals from diverse, remote regions, creating a globally varied electorate of 135 cardinals, 108 of whom he handpicked.

The conclave has a wide range of “papabile” candidates, each offering distinct theological and leadership styles. Among the potential candidates are Italy’s Pietro Parolin, the Philippines’ Luis Antonio Tagle, Congo’s Fridolin Ambongo, Ghana’s Peter Turkson, and Canada’s Michael Czerny. These figures bring different visions for the Church, shaped by issues like migration, climate change, and war.

The world is now watching to see not just who becomes the next pope, but what direction the Church will take in the future.