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With the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, a crucial phase begins for the Catholic Church.
The conclave in the Sistine Chapel, which begins on May 7, will decide on the new pope. Among the possible candidates is Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.
What makes it your favorite?
Péter Erdő is the leading candidate in the 2025 conclave - he is considered very conservative.
Erdő was born in 1952 in the Hungarian capital Budapest. He grew up as the eldest of six children with strict Catholic parents. After his ordination as a priest, he studied theology and canon law in Rome. In the following years he taught at various faculties - including in Buenos Aires.
In 2003, he was one of the few cardinals appointed by John Paul II. His career has been marked by high-ranking positions, including that of President of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, Rapporteur of the Synod of Bishops, and Organizer of an International Eucharistic Congress, reports Daily News Hungary.
The College of Cardinals report shows that the 72-year-old, conservative cleric, has been a strong advocate of traditional Catholic doctrine for years and has not always agreed with Francis' progressive reforms.
For him, homosexual partnerships would contradict “God’s plan for marriage and family.” He has also been criticized for this. However, the 72-year-old from Hungary is committed to dialogue with non-Christian religions.
"Cardinal Erdö is the conservatives' leading candidate," says Vatican expert Andreas Englisch at IPPEN.MEDIA.
"His problem is that he did not distance himself from Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, who was harshly criticized by Francis," he added.
Orbán's conservative political line has drawn much criticism internationally. He also supports the AfD in Germany, among others.
Unlike Pope Francis, Erdő is known more as an intellectual than a man of the people. Erdős' chances of becoming Pope are also good because of his international experience. In addition to his native Hungarian, he also speaks German, Italian, French, Spanish and English. The 72-year-old is the author of more than 25 books. But other candidates are also being considered as possible successors to Francis.
The conclave itself remains one of the most important ceremonies in the Catholic Church. 133 cardinals under the age of 80 will decide by secret ballot who will be the 267th pope. Erdő is one of the few European candidates considered serious contenders. However, it remains to be seen whether he will actually be elected. The conclave begins on Wednesday (May 7).
Meanwhile, a Vatican expert assesses the chances of the main favorites.
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