Who are the frontrunners to be elected next pontiff after Pope Francis?

As Pope Francis, the oldest pope in over a century, continues to decline in health, speculation is percolating as to who will next be elected as the most powerful Catholic in the world.The 88-year-old pontiff developed pneumonia in both his lungs over the weekend and will remain hospitalized as he battles the infection, according to the Vatican.Technically any Roman Catholic man can be elected as the heir to St.

Peter, though invariably one of the 253 cardinals from around the world will don the papal tiara.After a pope’s death or resignation, a conclave is convened in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, where cardinals partake in rounds of voting to determine the next head of the Church.Only 138 of the 253 cardinals will be able to serve as electors in the next conclave and no cardinals over the age of 80 can participate in voting.That number was raised in December of last year by Pope Francis from 120, which by rule of Paul VI was the maximum number of cardinals who should partake as voters in a conclave.With Pope Francis’s deteriorating health, several prominent cardinals are being eyed as his successor if the octogenarian takes a turn for the worst.

Here are the frontrunners to become the next pope, according to public reporting.The Vatican’s secretary of state, Pietro Parolin served in Pope Francis’ Vatican for 11 years and has become the favorite amongst bookmakers since last November, The Week reported.Parolin is considered a moderate politically.

He spent his career participating in the diplomatic wing of the Holy See, spending parts of his career in the Nunciature of Nigeria and Mexico.He was made a cardinal in 2014 by Pope Francis.

Parolin would be considered an extension of the legacy of Pope Francis.President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, Fridolin Ambongo Besungu made headlines when he rejected a controversial declaration of Pope Francis — with the papal blessing, no less.The conservative Capuchin declared...