As the Vatican’s secretary of state since 2013, 70-year-old Cardinal Parolin, from Veneto, is the highest-ranking member of the electing conclave. Rather than adhering to “left” or “right” political leanings, Cardinal Parolin has long been considered a sensible, moderate figure within the Church.

After a nine-day mourning period and funeral for Pope Francis, known as the Novendia, the Catholic Church will arrange the next conclave. The mysterious process, which is not open to the public, will take place in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Here, the College of Cardinals will gather to elect the church's next head. The rules, as of 22 January 2025, state there are 138 electors out of 252 cardinals. Only those under the age of 80 may take part in the secret ballot.

There are several conservative cardinals who are believed to be top contenders for the papacy, including Cardinal Peter Erdo, who has been critical of Francis’ position on divorce and immigration. Erdo has argued that divorced or re-married Catholics should not be allowed to receive Holy Communion due to his position regarding the "indissolubility of marriage."