There is the intriguing possibility that a Portuguese, or at least a Portuguese-speaking, cardinal will succeed Pope Francis as the global head of the Catholic Church.

This suggestion follows the astonishing power cut across Portugal and Spain, which prompted widespread speculation about a Russian cyber-attack, or even Armageddon—the end-of-the-world prophecy described in the Book of Revelation—that would render the election of another pope unnecessary.

With power fully restored, electing the next pope will occur within a closed-door, private conclave in the Vatican, expected to be held between 6 and 11 May. It will comprise about 133 cardinals from around the world. Such gatherings traditionally include all cardinals under the age of 80. The sheer number of electors, and what each individual considers the most important papal objectives makes reaching a consensus on the final decision particularly challenging.

Four Portuguese cardinals are in the running: Antonio Marto, Américo Aguiar, Manuel Clemente, and Tolentino de Mendonça. Of the nine other Portuguese-speaking cardinals in the conclave, seven are from Brazil, one from Cabo Verde, and one from Timor-Leste.

Antonio Marto, 80, is the oldest of the Portuguese electors and candidates. He was the Bishop of Viseu-Leiria-Fátima, where he presided over the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Fátima apparitions. He has been closely associated with youth and labour movements, and has emphasised matters such as protecting the environment and the Fátima Marian message of peace.

Américo Aguiar, 51, is the youngest of the Portuguese cardinals. Much of his early priesthood was spent in Porto. He was elevated by Pope Francis two years ago, shortly after the World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon, which he helped organise as head of the event’s overseeing foundation.

Manuel Clemente, 78, became a priest at the age of 31 and has now been a cardinal for 10 years. He was Pope Francis’s first appointment when he was transferred from the

Diocese of Porto to the Patriarchate of Lisbon. His career has been closely linked to the Scout movement, participating in retreats and camps until a few years ago. He has also been involved in various social activities, including historical research projects.

Tolentino de Mendonça, 59, was born in Madeira. Before becoming a cardinal, he was a university lecturer. He is also a much-published and celebrated poet, essayist, and playwright. While focusing on his work as an academic theologian, he was elevated to cardinal in 2019.

Pope Benedict XVI invited him to the Vatican in 2011 for appointment as a consultant to the Pontifical Council for Culture. His close association with cultural developments in the Vatican has continued over the past decade. In the last days of Pope Francis’s life, Cardinal Mendonça personally stayed by his side, offering comfort in any way he could. This may make him a strong contender.

This conclave, though deeply spiritual and governed by centuries of tradition, is ultimately an election—held behind closed doors by the College of Cardinals—to choose the next pope.

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Len Port, born in Northern Ireland, worked as a news reporter and correspondent, mainly in Hong Kong and South Africa, before moving to Portugal many years ago.