By Popes Who Quit—and What It Means for Pope Francis Today, Including Malcolm Ranjith’s Chances
Pope Francis was in critical but stable condition Tuesday as he worked from the hospital while battling double pneumonia, and the Vatican announced some major governing decisions that suggest he is getting essential work done and looking ahead.
Most popes stay in office until they die, but a few have stepped down. It’s rare because the job is seen as a lifelong calling, but history shows it’s possible—sometimes by choice, sometimes forced. Here’s what’s brewing now in 2025, and why Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith might have a shot, plus other surprise names that could pop up.
Popes Who Quit: The Short List
Pontian (230–235): Quit when exiled by Romans so a new pope could take over. Died soon after.
Benedict IX (1032–1044, plus later): A wild case—quit once (maybe for cash), came back, then got kicked out. More about power than faith.
Celestine V (1294): An old monk who hated the role. Quit after five months and made it legal for popes to resign. Got locked up by the next pope .
Gregory XII (1406–1415): Stepped down to fix a huge mess with three rival popes. Helped unite the Church.
Benedict XVI (2005–2013): Retired at 85 in 2013, saying he was too old and tired. First in 600 years.
A couple others, like Silverius (536–537) and John XVIII (1004–1009), might have quit, but it’s fuzzy—some were pushed out, some just disappeared. Popes can legally resign if they choose, but it’s uncommon because tradition says they stick it out.
How Popes Are Picked: Politics at Work
Choosing a pope isn’t just spiritual—it’s political too. Cardinals under 80 vote in a secret meeting called a conclave. They’re split into groups: progressives who want change, conservatives who like tradition. Where they’re from—Europe, Africa, Asia—shapes their picks, as each area has its own priorities. Behind the scenes, cardinals make deals to back their favorite, mixing faith with strategy.
Take Benedict XVI: a conservative German chosen in 2005 to keep things steady. Then Francis, an Argentine progressive in 2013, surprised everyone by shaking things up—focusing on the poor and bending rules. It’s a tug-of-war every time.
Hidden Currents in 2025
Pope Francis, 88 and sick with pneumonia and kidney issues, has people guessing what’s next. Cardinals are quietly getting ready, even if he’s not quitting yet. Here’s what’s cooking:
Progressive vs. Conservative Fight: Francis has made the Church more open—welcoming migrants, blessing same-sex couples (sort of), talking climate. Conservatives want that reversed. The next pick will show who wins.
Geography: Francis is from Latin America. Some push for Africa or Asia next, where the Church is growing. Others want Europe back in charge.
Age: After Benedict and Francis’ health struggles, a younger pope—say, 60s—might appeal for a longer run.
Vatican Gossip: Some say Francis’ team hides how sick he is. Conservatives might be plotting to undo his work already.
Global Eyes: A progressive pope annoys some leaders but inspires places like Sri Lanka. A conservative could shift the Church’s role worldwide.
Francis wrote a resignation letter in 2021 just in case, but the Vatican says he’s hanging on for now.
Malcolm Ranjith’s Chances: A Conservative with a Proven Record
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, 77, Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a name floating around. He’s got a strong shot for a few reasons, especially if conservatives take control:
Brief Portfolio: Born in 1947, Ranjith has a big resume. He worked in the Vatican under Benedict XVI, handling worship rules, and served as a diplomat in Indonesia and East Timor. Since 2009, he’s led Colombo’s Catholics—about 7% of Sri Lanka—through tough times like the 2019 Easter bombings. He speaks ten languages and knows the Church inside out.
Conservative Track Record: Ranjith is a traditionalist, close to Benedict’s style. He’s pushed for old-school liturgy—like taking Communion kneeling—and criticized sloppy changes after Vatican II. He’s against same-sex blessings and women in clergy roles, lining up with conservatives who want Francis’ reforms rolled back.
Why He Could Win: At 77, he’s not too old for a shorter reign, avoiding another quick turnover. His Asian roots could appeal to cardinals wanting a non-Western pope, especially since Sri Lanka’s a small, Buddhist-majority country where Catholics are a minority—showing he can lead under pressure. His Vatican experience means he’d hit the ground running.
Surprise Factor: Ranjith isn’t the loudest name—like Tagle or Parolin—but that’s his strength. Popes often come from the “B-list,” not the favorites. In 2013, he was called a “Great Asian Hope” by some, and his quiet, steady style could sneak him through a divided conclave.
But there’s a flip side: his age might worry some who want youth, and his hard-line stance could turn off progressives. Still, if conservatives rally and want a proven traditionalist from the developing world, Ranjith’s a dark horse who could surprise everyone.
Other Candidates Who Could Emerge
The conclave loves a curveball—think John XXIII or John Paul II, who weren’t top picks. Here are some others who might pop up:
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67): A progressive like Francis, nicknamed the “Asian Francis.” He’s charismatic, focuses on the poor, and leads a big Vatican mission office. Asia’s growth helps his case, but conservatives might block him.
Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70): Vatican Secretary of State and Francis’ right-hand man. He’s a diplomat, moderate, and knows the system. A safe bet to keep Francis’ vibe going, but might lack pizzazz for a big shift.
Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (DR Congo, 65): A conservative African voice. He’s fought Francis on same-sex blessings, appealing to traditionalists. Africa’s rising Catholic numbers make him a contender, though his outspokenness could split votes.
Matteo Zuppi (Italy, 69): A moderate progressive from Bologna. He’s tied to peace efforts and Francis’ circle. Less known globally, but his quiet rise could make him a compromise pick.
Lazarus You Heung-sik (South Korea, 73): A newer cardinal with a spiritual, low-key vibe. His book and Asian roots could catch attention if cardinals want a fresh face from a growing Church region.
What’s Next?
No one’s sure if Francis will quit or pass away soon, but the stage is set for a showdown. Ranjith’s odds hinge on conservatives uniting behind his experience and orthodoxy, with a twist of surprise from his Asian background. Yet, Tagle, Parolin, Besungu, Zuppi, or You—or someone totally unexpected—could steal it. History says the conclave’s unpredictable: favorites often lose, and quiet contenders win. Whoever’s next, it’ll be a mix of faith, politics, and a bit of chaos shaping the Church’s future.
