Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle are considered top contenders, according to The Associated Press. Parolin, who served as Pope Francis' Secretary of State, is well-known among the cardinals. Tagle, head of the Vatican's evangelization office, is often mentioned as a potential first Asian pope.

The death of Pope Francis this month at the age of 88 set off grief and mourning around the world — along with a complex process to find a successor. Francis’ successor will be selected at a conclave that will begin May 7,