Pope Francis, the supreme religious leader of the Catholic Church, died at the age of 88. He was ill for a long time and was recently admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to double pneumonia...

International Desk:  Pope Francis, the supreme religious leader of the Catholic Church, died at the age of 88. He was ill for a long time and was recently admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to double pneumonia. Vatican's Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell officially announced his death on Monday morning at 7:35 am. After the death of Pope Francis, the question now arises who will be the next Pope? The new Pope is elected through a process called Papal Conclave, in which cardinals under the age of 80 vote. This time 138 cardinals have voting rights.

These 5 names are most discussed 

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy, age 70) 

is the Vatican's foreign minister. Pope Francis' most trusted companion. Has a strong grasp on administration and diplomacy.

Cardinal Peter Erdo (Hungary, age 72) 

Conservative. Strict adherent of traditional Catholic rules. Strong hold in European churches.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy, age 69) 

Progressive face. Talks about LGBTQ, youth and dialogue. Considered very close to Pope Francis' thinking.

Cardinal Raymond Burke (USA, age 70) 

Hardline conservative of the church. Has openly criticized the policies of Pope Francis. In favor of traditions.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, age 67)

Cardinal Luis could become the first Asian pope if elected. He is young, charismatic, and seen as the liberal face of the church.

How is a new Pope elected?

The process of "Papal Conclave" begins after the death of the Pope. In this, 138 cardinals under the age of 80 elect a new Pope through a secret ballot. The election takes place in the Sistine Chapel of Vatican City. When a person gets a two-thirds majority, then his name is brought before the world.

Will Africa produce a new Pope?

This time, there is a possibility that the next Pope may come from Africa. Two names have emerged. Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), who is a leader advocating justice and peace. And Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo (Congo), who is a staunch conservative but a supporter of peace.

Pope Francis' last appeal

On the occasion of Easter Sunday, a day before his death, Pope Francis gave the message of religious freedom and freedom of thought to the world. He got the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing read by his assistant and described the situation in Gaza as 'tragic and dramatic'. He also expressed concern over anti-Semitism. Pope Francis took over the reins of the church in 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit Pope in history, the Pope elected from the American continent and the first non-European Pope in about 1000 years. He made many efforts to make the church more inclusive, modern and sensitive to human rights. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): If elected, he will become the first Asian Pope. Sympathetic attitude towards LGBTQ and divorced Catholics.