Several international media outlets have named Sri Lanka’s Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, as a possible candidate to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on yesterday.
In a roundup of potential successors, the Washington Examiner included Cardinal Ranjith alongside other prominent figures such as Cardinal Luis Tagle of the Philippines, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of France, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy.
USA Today, in a report widely syndicated across platforms, also mentioned Cardinal Ranjith in a list of global contenders, which included Cardinals Matteo Zuppi, Gerhard Müller, Robert Sarah, and Raymond Burke.
Meanwhile, The Times of India, quoting sources from international Catholic news coverage, noted that Ranjith is being viewed as a “dark horse” candidate due to his conservative theological views and Global South representation.
The Washington Times highlighted Cardinal Ranjith’s traditionalist stance, particularly his support for the Latin liturgy and opposition to same-sex marriage, positioning him among the more conservative voices within the College of Cardinals.
Although no frontrunner has emerged, the inclusion of Cardinal Ranjith in multiple international reports signals growing recognition of his standing within the Catholic Church, particularly as attention shifts to leadership from outside Europe.
The date for the conclave to elect the next pope is yet to be announced. (Newswire)