The Catholic world is mourning the death of Pope Francis on Monday 21st. With this, the Church enters the Sede Vacante period, when preparations for the conclave – the meeting of cardinals to choose the new pope – officially begin. And this time, the next pope could be Brazilian – and more specifically, from São Paulo.
Is it possible to have a Brazilian pope? Cardinals tipped to succeed Francis
Among the 138 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote and be elected pope, seven are Brazilian. In addition, there is one more cardinal who will enter the election, despite not being able to vote.
Of these, two have a direct connection to São Paulo and are among the favorites for the post:
Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, archbishop of the Archdiocese of São Paulo
With a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Scherer is an internationally prominent figure.
He became archbishop of São Paulo in 2007 and was made a cardinal by Benedict XVI in the same year.
He also took part in the conclave that elected Francis in 2013 and is one of the most popular names in Brazil to succeed the Pope.
Cardinal Raymundo Damasceno Assis, archbishop emeritus of Aparecida (SP)
Although he can’t vote because he’s 88, Damasceno could be elected pope.
Appointed cardinal in 2010, he was president of the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops) between 2011 and 2015 and is therefore a respected figure throughout the Catholic world.
His connection with the Aparecida Shrine and his conciliatory record make him a symbolic presence in this process.
In addition to the two cardinals from São Paulo, Brazil has six other cardinals eligible to take part in the conclave:
- João Braz de Aviz – Archbishop Emeritus of Brasilia and former Prefect of the Congregation for Consecrated Life at the Vatican.
- Orani João Tempesta – Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro and president of the World Youth Day Institute.
- Sérgio da Rocha – Archbishop of Salvador, he has already presided over the CNBB and serves on important Vatican commissions.
- Paulo Cezar Costa – Archbishop of Brasilia, recognized for his academic work and pastoral activity.
- Leonardo Ulrich Steiner – Archbishop of Manaus and president of the Indigenous Missionary Council.
- Jaime Spengler – Archbishop of Porto Alegre and current president of the CNBB and CELAM (Latin American Episcopal Council).
How the choice of the new pope works
The papal election process takes place in a closed conclave in the Sistine Chapel, with only the cardinal electors taking part.
Before voting begins, all the cardinals attend a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Then, during the conclave, they remain completely isolated, with no access to outside communication.
However, the choice of name depends on a two-thirds vote, which means that several sessions can take place until a consensus is reached.
Finally, the traditional white smoke signals to the world that “Habemus Papam” – we have a new pope.
St. Paul at the center of world faith?
If Odilo Scherer or another of the Brazilian cardinals is elected, it will be the first time we have a Brazilian pope – and perhaps a pope from São Paulo.
In other words, the moment is historic and marks a rare opportunity to see Brazil’s largest city become, even if only symbolically, the spiritual center of the Catholic world.