The death of Pope Francis in April 2025 echoed as a moment of deep sorrow among Catholics around the world. Yet, the Church moves forward. In the coming weeks, a historic process will unfold behind closed doors at the Vatican. The conclave, where a new leader of the Catholic Church will be chosen.
And this year, Southeast Asia is more than just a witness. The region is sending a strong delegation of cardinal electors, not only empowered to vote but potentially to be elected as the next pope.
What Is a Conclave and Who Gets to Vote?
The conclave is a secretive gathering of cardinals held in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Ciry, where a new pope is elected. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, known as cardinal electors.
This is far from a ceremonial event. Every vote cast in the conclave has the power to shape the direction of the global Catholic Church for decades, on issues ranging from theology and interfaith dialogue to social justice and global leadership.
Southeast Asia: No Longer Just a Spectator
Historically, Southeast Asia has been a recipient of Catholic missions and influence from the West. But times have changed.
Under Pope Francis, the representation of voices from the Global South, especially Southeast Asia has grown significantly. As of 2025, the region is represented by nine active cardinal electors in the upcoming conclave, according to the College of Cardinals Report:
| Country | Cardinal Name | Age | Appointed By | Type |
| Philippines | Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle | 67 | Benedict XVI | Curial |
| José Fuerte Advincula | 73 | Francis | Diocesan | |
| Pablo Virgilio Siongco David | 66 | Francis | Diocesan | |
| Myanmar | Charles Maung Bo | 76 | Francis | Diocesan |
| Timor-Leste | Virgilio Do Carmo da Silva | 57 | Francis | Diocesan |
| Malaysia | Sebastian Francis | 73 | Francis | Diocesan |
| Singapore | William Seng Chye Goh | 67 | Francis | Diocesan |
| Thailand | Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij | 75 | Francis | Diocesan |
| Indonesia | Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo | 74 | Francis | Diocesan |
Who Stands Out?
Among the Southeast Asian cardinals, Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle of the Philippines is frequently cited as papabile, a viable candidate for pope. Progressive, deeply respected, and a prominent voice at the Vatican, Tagle has become a global face of the Asian Catholic Church.
Virgilio Do Carmo da Silva of Timor-Leste is also noteworthy, he’s the first cardinal from his country, which has one of the highest Catholic populations per capita in Asia. At 57, he’s one of the youngest electors in the conclave.
Why Southeast Asian Representation Matters
The Catholic population in Southeast Asia is growing, particularly in countries like the Philippines and Timor-Leste. The region's cardinals bring valuable on-the-ground experiences, from ethnic conflict in Myanmar to multicultural coexistence in Singapore, and religious diversity in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Their voices could bring much-needed context and relevance to the global Church in a time of social, political, and environmental challenges.
Pope Francis actively championed global diversity within the Church and now, the 2025 conclave presents Southeast Asia with its greatest opportunity yet to lead, spiritually and morally, on a global stage.
A New Hope from Southeast Asia
These nine cardinal electors from Southeast Asia carry more than votes, they carry the hopes of a more inclusive, grounded, and compassionate Church.
As the cardinals gather in the Vatican, the voices of Southeast Asia will help shape the future of the Catholic Church. And perhaps, for the first time ever, the world may greet its new pope with a salutation it has never heard before.
