Cardinal Pietro Parolin is the front runner -- no doubt about that. As Rorate said days ago on X/Twitter:
There is no doubt Parolin is the front runner, as Ratzinger in 2005 (for the same reasons), and Bergoglio in 13 (because he had been the second-place in 05).
Since there is no runner-up now (Scola being over 80), this is Parolin’s to lose. (Twitter)
There seems to be an assumption by some that this is being "alarmist." Not true; while a Parolin pontificate would not be a good Catholic's choice, believe us when we say that there are MUCH worse options.
Regardless, being a favorite doesn't mean it's certain, far from it. Two thirds is a MIGHTY number to reach. Nobody knows. (Twitter)
This clear favoritism seems to have been confirmed by a comment made the Cardinal Dean, Cardinal Re, personally to Parolin in the Missa pro Eligendo Pontifice in the Vatican Basilica: "Best of luck... doubly!" (Auguri... doppi!) -- video below:
Il cardinal Re che dice “auguri doppi” a Parolin #Conclave️ #7maggio https://t.co/lvbE39QtF3 pic.twitter.com/Ren5yhCnXy
— Raccontando l’Abruzzo (@i_Spirito) May 7, 2025
The first and only round of voting for the first day starts soon. If he doesn't win it in the first 5 votes of the first two days, then it really could be one of many others, including surprises.
