The next pope's election will significantly impact the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers. The College of Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel to vote, with a notable shift in demographics as fewer than half of the voters will be European. Key candidates include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is seen as a frontrunner due to his diplomatic experience; Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, known for his pastoral work and moderate views; Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from Africa, a cultural conservative; and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, who has a dynamic presence and leans conservative but opposes criminalizing homosexuality.