Potential Papal Candidate: Cardinal Robert Prevost
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric with significant international experience, is emerging as a potential papal candidate amid ideological debates within the Catholic Church. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2023, Prevost is seen as a balanced alternative, committed to serving the poor and migrants, though he has been criticized for his conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues and his handling of sexual abuse cases. While his style may differ from Francis, supporters believe he may continue the consultative processes initiated by the late pope.