Hungarian cardinal who could become the next pope: Péter Erdő

In recent days, international attention has been increasingly focused on Péter Erdő, Archbishop of the Esztergom-Budapest Archdiocese, who has been mentioned by many press outlets around the world as a potential candidate for the papacy. He is also seen by betting agencies as a serious contender, a “papabile” in the Vatican parlance, a cardinal who could become pope. Erdő is conservative but not divisive, and his diplomatic skills and theological knowledge are recognised both inside and outside the Church.

Péter Erdő was born in 1952 in Budapest in a family of intellectuals. After graduating from the Piarist High School, he continued his theological studies in Esztergom and Budapest, then in Rome. He became a cardinal in 2003, and from 2005 to 2015, he led the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and was also a member of the presidency of several international ecclesiastical bodies and a visiting professor. His work has earned him numerous awards and academic recognition.

Erdő is a Catholic Church leader with deep roots in the academic world: he earned his doctorate in theology and canon law in Rome, and held professorial and leadership positions at several prestigious Hungarian and foreign universities from an early age. He is a former rector of Pázmány Péter Catholic University and an active member of several scientific societies, including the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His scholarly work and theological training can be a significant asset in a role that requires not only intellectual but also global leadership.

Hungarian roots, global experience

Although Hungary is not one of the most historically powerful countries in the Catholic Church, Péter Erdő’s career and authority have transcended national boundaries. With his knowledge of Latin, German, Italian, French, Spanish and English, he is at home in international church circles. Having held several important positions in the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, he is no stranger to international church diplomacy. Still, his Hungarian origin may raise questions in certain political contexts, especially in the current domestic and foreign policy perception of Hungary.

Church policy balance: conservative but open-minded

Although Péter Erdő clearly has conservative values, especially on divorce, remarriage and other family issues, he is not an extremist. He has maintained a balanced and cooperative relationship with Pope Francis, which is not the case for all traditionalist cardinals. He has regularly participated in synodal processes, contributing to the promotion of ecclesial dialogue and consensus-building.

According to Portfolio, Erdő’s strengths include an exceptional academic background, expertise in canon law, and a moderate conservatism that can bridge the gap between traditionalists and reformers. However, his age (72) is seen by some as a drawback, especially after Pope Francis’ long and active papacy, when many are hoping for a younger, more energetic leader. However, age does not automatically rule out election as pope: Benedict XVI also ascended to the papal throne at an older age.

Vatican relations and symbolic events

Pope Francis has visited Hungary twice during his papacy, once in 2021 for a short visit and then in 2023 for a longer apostolic journey. These events may also signal the important relationship between Erdő and Hungary for the Vatican. In connection with the Pope’s death, the Hungarian head of state, Tamás Sulyok, has indicated his intention to attend the funeral. The official representation of the government, as ATV reported, has not yet been decided, but Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, as a Roman Catholic believer and diplomat, has firmly refrained from commenting on the papal election speculation.

In addition to Erdő, other prominent candidates for the conclave are also being considered. Among them is Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who could represent the continuation of Pope Francis’ legacy. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is also a contender; he could carry on the Italian diplomatic tradition. Ghana’s Peter Turkson could become the first African pope in centuries, while Angelo Scola is a familiar name, having been considered a serious candidate at the 2013 conclave, as Intellinews reported.

What would a Hungarian pope mean?

Although the election of a Pope from Central Europe is a rarity, it would not be unprecedented. The election of Péter Erdő as pope would represent a shift away from the usual Vatican-centricity towards East-Central Europe and could also be interpreted as a symbolic message to strengthen the Church’s global presence. Conservative but not closed-minded; scholarly but not ivory-towered, Erdő could be a balanced, bridge-building leader for the Catholic Church.

When the election of a new pope does take place, and the name of Péter Erdő is indeed put forward, it could mark the beginning of a new era not only for the Hungarian Catholic community, but for many Catholic believers around the world, with a leader who is both deeply rooted in tradition and open to dialogue.

Stay informed: find out more about the relationship between the Vatican and Hungary HERE!

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