The United States has named seven main candidates for the post of Pope

The United States has named seven main candidates for the post of the next pope. This was reported by The New York Times on April 21.

"According to experts, there is no single favorite, but several names have been mentioned as indications of the direction in which the Roman Catholic Church may move," the article says.

According to the newspaper, one of the candidates, 60-year-old Pierbattista Pizzaballa, is the Vatican's top official for Middle East affairs. Another favorite, 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has been Pope Francis' second-in-command since 2013, when he appointed him Secretary of state.

Also listed among the candidates are 67-year-old liberal cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, who may become the first Asian pope, and 75-year-old Lars Anders Arborelius, Sweden's first Catholic cardinal.

In addition, the publication's list also includes 72-year-old Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, who is an expert on canon law, 65-year-old Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, who maintains non-traditional relations, and 69-year-old Cardinal Matteo Zuppi. According to the newspaper, some experts suggest that Francis would most likely prefer him as his successor.

Saint from the slums: Pope Francis has died

The first pontiff of South American origin traveled to his parish by subway

Pope Francis died on the morning of April 21 at the age of 89. It is noted that he died at his residence in the Vatican's Santa Marta House. The director of the Vatican's Office of Health and Hygiene, Professor Andrea Archangeli, said that the death occurred from a cerebral stroke. He clarified that the pontiff fell into a coma, after which an irreversible cardiovascular collapse occurred.