These are the 'puppies' of the Vatican: Pope Francis's youngest cardinals

The Catholic world is in mourning after the death of Pope Francis, which occurred this Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, led the Church since 2013, leaving a legacy marked by humility, social justice, and an unprecedented pastoral openness.

His death, caused by complications from bilateral pneumonia, has activated the "sede vacante" protocol, which initiates the process to choose his successor.

Beyond the rumors about the next Pontiff, it is evident that Francis shaped the future of the Church through the College of Cardinals. There he has bet all these years on a new generation of leaders.

These young prelates are nicknamed in Vatican circles as the Pope's "cubs." They represent Francis's vision for a more inclusive Church, committed to social issues and distanced from traditional clericalism.

Under 65 years old, these cardinals have been placed in strategic positions within the Vatican and in important archdioceses around the world. This way, the reformist legacy of the Argentine pontiff is consolidated.

José Cobo Cano: The face of change in Madrid

One of the most prominent "cubs" is Cardinal José Cobo Cano, Archbishop of Madrid, 58 years old.

Appointed in 2023, his rise broke with the tradition that the archbishops of the Spanish capital came from other dioceses with more episcopal experience. His profile is that of a close pastor, with social sensitivity and a strong commitment to victims of abuse within the Church.

Cobo Cano has been clear about the need for the Church to take responsibility in these cases. He has also promoted initiatives for reparations for the victims.

In October, he presided over an event at the Almudena Cathedral where he publicly apologized to the victims of ecclesiastical abuse. There, Cobo Cano stated that "we don't want, we can't, we mustn't turn the page."

His leadership as vice president in the Spanish Episcopal Conference also reflects a shift toward a more socially committed Church. In line with Francis's thinking.

Cobo Cano has been one of the most critical voices against racism and xenophobia in Europe. He has also advocated for a more humanitarian migration policy in the European Union, in line with the Pontiff.

Mauro Gambetti: The 'guardian' of St. Peter's

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, 59 years old and a Franciscan, of Italian origin, has been one of Francis's personal bets. In 2020, without ever having been a bishop, he was appointed cardinal and entrusted with the administration of St. Peter's Basilica. This is the highest position within the Vatican after the Pope himself.

From this position, Gambetti has promoted a series of reforms to make the Basilica a place of welcome and not just a tourist site. He has promoted the reduction of entry prices for low-income pilgrims. He has worked on improving financial transparency within the Fabric of St. Peter's, the entity that manages the temple.

He is considered one of the Pope's trusted men and a key figure within the Vatican. However, with a more spiritual than political profile.

Fabio Baggio: The cardinal of migrants

A member of the Scalabrinian Missionaries, Cardinal Fabio Baggio, 60 years old, has spent most of his ministry defending migrants and refugees in Latin America and Asia. His appointment as cardinal in 2024 underscores the priority that Pope Francis gives to migration pastoral care.

Baggio is currently one of the heads of the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He has been a staunch critic of restrictive migration policies in Europe and North America. Baggio is an advocate for the right of refugees to a dignified welcome.

His influence within the Vatican has been increasing. Some see him as a possible prefect for a future reinforced Dicastery, dedicated exclusively to the migration issue.

Fridolin Ambongo Besungu: The voice of Africa

From the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the 65-year-old Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu emerges as one of the most influential figures within the Church in Africa.

He has a career marked by the defense of human rights and the fight against corruption. Additionally, Ambongo has been an outspoken critic of political instability in his country.

Pope Francis entrusted him with a key role in the recent Synod on Synodality. There he advocated for greater autonomy for local Churches in Africa. He has also been a strong opponent of the exploitation of natural resources on the continent by large corporations.

Ambongo is currently president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). This makes him a key figure for the future of the Church on the continent.

Luis Antonio Tagle: The Pope's candidate

Although he has already surpassed the age of 65, the Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is one of the most relevant figures within Francis's circle.

Appointed prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization in 2019, his role has been central. Both in promoting the Church's mission in Asia and in revitalizing ecclesiastical structures on the continent.

Tagle is seen as the face of a modern and accessible Church. His charisma and ability to connect with the faithful make him one of the favorites to succeed Francis in an eventual conclave.

His Asian origin also makes him an attractive candidate at a time when the Church seeks to expand its presence in regions where Catholicism is growing.

The future of the Church: Continuity or rupture?

After the death of the Pontiff, the question of his succession becomes inevitable. Most of the cardinals with the right to vote in a future conclave have been appointed by Francis. This could guarantee the continuity of his reformist vision.

However, not all cardinals are enthusiastic about the changes promoted by the pontiff. Within the College of Cardinals, there are more conservative sectors that could try to halt some of the reforms. Especially on issues such as the role of women in the Church or the decentralization of Vatican power.

The Pope's "cubs" represent Francis's bet for the future. If their influence is maintained in the next conclave, it is likely that the Church will continue in the direction marked by the Argentine pontiff.

If, on the contrary, the more conservative sectors manage to impose their candidate, a shift toward a more traditional stance could occur.