Contenders for the next pope include a theologian, a diplomat and a ‘street priest’

There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After St. John Paul II broke the centuries-long Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field of contenders has broadened considerably.

What to know:

The 70-year-old veteran diplomat, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was Pope Francis’ secretary of state, essentially the Holy See’s prime minister. Parolin oversaw the Holy See’s controversial deal with China over bishop nominations and was involved — but not charged — in the Vatican’s botched investment in a London real estate venture. He is widely respected for his diplomatic finesse on some of the thorniest dossiers facing the Catholic Church. If elected, he would return an Italian to the papacy after three successive outsiders.

The 72-year-old Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erd, known by his peers as a serious theologian, scholar and educator, is a leading contender among conservatives. Holding doctorates in theology and canon law, Erd is a proponent of doctrinal orthodoxy. Erd opposes same-sex unions and has also resisted suggestions that Catholics who remarry after divorce be able to receive communion. An advocate for traditional family structures, he helped organize Francis’ 2014 and 2015 Vatican meetings on the family.

Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, came up in the image of Francis, who promoted him quickly. After making him a cardinal, Francis made clear he wanted him in charge of Italy’s bishops, a sign of his admiration for the prelate who, like Francis, is known as a “street priest” — someone who prioritizes ministering to poor and homeless people and refugees. He was also Francis’ peace envoy for Russia’s war in Ukraine.