Pope Francis is still carrying out his duties despite facing health issues, according to some reports. However, given the severity of his condition, there is speculation about the possibility of a future papal succession. Gianfranco Ravasi, the Minister of Culture, mentioned that the Pope could resign if his ability to serve is seriously compromised, although his main desire is to fulfill at least the Jubilee.
The election of a new Pope is considered a complicated process, as it must be decided whether to continue with the progressive legacy promoted by Francis or to return to more traditional positions of the Church. The reforms implemented by the Pope have generated tensions with conservative sectors by addressing issues such as abortion, the LGTBI+ community, and women's ordination.
Pope Francis has already expressed his wishes regarding his funeral, and his health remains a cause for concern. Despite reports that his health remains stable after being hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a guarded prognosis is maintained. His health problems have focused attention on the College of Cardinals and two Mexican cardinals: Carlos Aguiar Retes and Francisco Robles Ortega.
Regarding the possibility of succession, the Mexican cardinals are mentioned as potential candidates. Ana Luisa Trujillo, an academic from UNAM, highlights that the appointment of a successor will depend on the political currents within the Vatican. Beyond the Mexican cardinals, there are others such as Peter Erdö, Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Raymond Burke, who are also considered prominent candidates.
Carlos Aguiar Retes, primate archbishop of Mexico, and Francisco Robles Ortega, archbishop of Guadalajara, are the Mexican cardinals mentioned as potential successors. Both Aguiar Retes and Robles Ortega would need to expand their projection or forge alliances in the discussions of the conclave to position themselves as strong contenders in the election process.
