Jet Set nightclub collapse kills 184, sparking safety concerns.

Jet Set nightclub collapse raises concerns as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, Age 67) emerges as a front-runner.

• Jet Set nightclub collapse casts a shadow as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, nicknamed the “Asian Francis” for his liberal stances, rises as a contender.
  
• Advocates for social justice and inclusivity.
  
• Deep Vatican experience since 2019.
  
• Seen as a leading progressive from a growing Catholic region.
  

🇪🇺 From Europe: Multiple Contenders

1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, Age 70)
   
   • Moderate, Vatican Secretary of State.
     
   • Diplomatic experience, including work with China and Venezuela.
     
   • Represents a return to Italian papacy without sharp conservatism.
     
2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, Age 69)
   
   • Known for humility and outreach to LGBTQ+ community.
     
   • Close to Francis but criticized for slow abuse response.
     
   • Referred to as the “Italian Bergoglio.”
     
3. Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, Age 72)
   
   • Conservative theologian with influence in secular Europe.
     
   • Linked to Hungary’s Viktor Orban, which may alienate progressives.
     
4. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France/Algeria, Age 66)
   
   • Advocate for interfaith harmony and migration issues.
     
   • Balances progressive ideals with pragmatic leadership.
     
5. Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta, Age 68)
   
   • Leader of the Synod on Synodality.
     
   • Seen as a reformer pushing a more inclusive Church.
     
6. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy/Israel, Age 60)
   
   • Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
     
   • Respected for interfaith efforts and offered himself as a hostage to Hamas.
     
   • Known for empathy, peacebuilding, and diplomacy.
     
7. Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy, Age 83 – too old to vote)
   
   • Highly respected scholar.
     
   • Was a strong contender in 2013 but now considered a symbolic figure.
     
8. Cardinal Juan José Omella (Spain, Age 79)
   
   • Socially active but controversial on abuse issues.
     
   • Progressive and known for his humble lifestyle.
     

From Africa: Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana, Age 76)

• Long advocate for the poor and the environment.
  
• Conservative on sexuality, progressive on justice.
  
• Could be the first African pope in 1,500+ years.
  

🇺🇸 From North America: Cardinal Joseph Tobin (USA, Age 72)

• Newark-based, Detroit-born progressive.
  
• Close to Francis, known for humility and humor.
  
• Seen as global despite U.S. nationality.
  

The Next Conclave’s Main Topics (Starting on May 7): Course correction or continuity? Will the next pope revert to doctrinal conservatism or continue Francis’ reforming trajectory?

• European tradition vs the Global South. The regions where the Church is expanding the greatest are reflected in the candidates from Asia and Africa.
• addressing scandals including abuse. a significant litmus test for trustworthiness.
• Divorced Catholics, women in the Church, and LGBTQ+ problems. flashpoints that show biases in ideology.

Source: USA Today