The Catholic Church is at a crossroads, with its fastest-growing congregations in the Global South, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while its influence in Europe has been rapidly declining. The papacy has historically remained dominated by Europe, with the exception of Pope Francis (Argentinian, progressive). Currently, popular contenders for the papacy include Cardinal Luis Tagle (Filipino, progressive, & close ally of Pope Francis), Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghanaian, moderate, & advocate for social justice), Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Vatican City’s secretary of state, moderate, & thought to bridge the gap between progressivists and conservatives), and Cardinal Wim Eijk (Dutch, conservative, & vocal critic of Pope Francis).