Conclave

Francis picked the archbishop emeritus of Manila as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. The 67-year-old Philippine cardinal has been one of the foremost figures of Asian Catholicism for more than 20 years. A brilliant preacher for years, he has commented on the Gospel every week in a very popular TV programme. For him, “The Church is renewed in her identity when she is missionary, that is, when she bears witness to the Kingdom of God in dialogue with cultures, religions”.

The archbishop of Osaka-Takamatsu, 76, is one of two Japanese cardinals at the conclave. His great-grandfather, who personally lived the experience of the "hidden Christians", told him stories that sparked his priestly vocation. A master of poetry, he is also a passionate fisherman. The son of a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bomb, he strongly condemns nuclear rearmament and deterrence.

From Bergamo, 60-year-old Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa brings the “Mother Church” back among the electors of a Pope for the first time in centuries. Living in Jerusalem for the past 35 years, the Franciscan friar has long been engaged in dialogue with both Judaism and Islam. He served for 12 years as Custos of the Holy Land. Throughout the many tragic episodes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—including the past two years—he has called for cultivating the freedom of peace, refusing to be crushed by hatred, and making the Gospel resound once again in the land of Jesus.

Archbishop of Manila since 2021, Card José Fuerte Advincula is one of the main supporters of a missionary magisterium. At 73, he is in line with the synodal vision of Pope Francis. A strong promoter of inclusion, of listening to varied groups like women, LGBTQ+ people and workers, he supports education as a way to social redemption. He is open to the pastoral challenges of the present, such as the proposed divorce law in the Philippines.

A 65-year-old Jesuit, he has led the Catholic community of the great metropolis for more than three years, putting the challenge of unity and education of young people first in a difficult social context after the events of 2019. He knows the dioceses of the People's Republic of China well, having already made three official trips to Beijing, Guangdong and Shanghai.

Born Isaac Thottunkal, he chose the name of Clement of Alexandria as bishop. Major Archbishop since 2007, created cardinal by Benedict XVI, he is the first cardinal of this Eastern rite Church that has its seat in Trivandrum in Kerala. In his ministry he has closely followed the communities of the diaspora, but has also promoted numerous social works in India. He was president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

As the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik holds one of the most influential roles in the Roman Curia. His life journey—from a war-torn Korea to the corridors of the Vatican—offers insight into the values, complexities, and vision shaping today’s Asian Catholic leadership.

Archbishop of Jakarta since 2010, now approaching 75, he welcomed Pope Francis to the country on his trip a few months ago. Among the initiatives he has promoted is a diocesan fund that supports the sick and bereaved families: ‘Concrete moments in which to show ourselves to be brothers and sisters to all.’

The Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok has led the Thai Catholic Church with a focus on mission and inter-religious dialogue. He had promoted the foundation of the Thai Missionary Society - supported by PIME missionary Fr. Adriano Pelosin - closeness to the poor and openness to the Buddhist majority. He will be among the cardinal electors at the next Conclave.

The cardinal has dedicated his work to defending a community that is part of the country and its history. The principle of citizenship, fraternal but frank dialogue with Islam and the courage of ‘transparency’ are the cornerstones of his mission. Among the most significant moments was the Pope's visit to Iraq. For the Conclave, the hope is for a pope capable, like Francis, of ‘reading the signs of the times’.

Born into a mixed family with a Catholic father and a Hindu mother, he experienced firsthand and from an early age the difficulties and marginalisation outcasts face. He was able to study thanks to men of the Church who strengthened his faith and allowed him to discover his vocation. Hyderabad is a cosmopolitan, multicultural place with different languages. Proclaiming the Gospel is a “challenge”.

Born in India, he moved to Lahore with his family at a very young age. Over the years, he has fought for social justice, Christian rights and freedom of worship. He has been able to defuse feelings of ‘revenge’ even among Christians, as in the case of the assassination of Minister Bhatti and the Gojra massacre. Harmony and peace are the guiding principles of his episcopate.