According to a table shared on Instagram by @civixplorer, papal selection has followed familiar patterns for centuries, with tradition largely favouring Italy. After a pope’s death, the Catholic Church traditionally observes nine days of mourning, known in Latin as novemdiales. Only after the funeral and mourning period do the cardinals gather in conclave to elect the next Holy Father.
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As the Church prepares for another pivotal election, one question lingers: could Malta, a nation with deep Catholic roots, finally see one of its own ascend to the papacy?
Throughout history, the selection of popes has been dominated by a handful of nations. Italy, in particular, has produced 217 popes—from early saints like Pius I to modern figures such as Paul VI. France and Germany have also made their mark, contributing 16 and 6 popes respectively, including Benedict XVI, the first pope in centuries to resign.
In the Church’s earliest centuries, the Mediterranean’s influence was clear: Syria and Tunisia contributed five and three popes respectively, while three popes hailed from the Holy Land—modern-day Palestine, Israel, and neighbouring regions—connecting back to Christianity’s very origins. Even England, during its Catholic past, produced a pope: Adrian IV.
Today, despite a strong Catholic heritage, countries such as Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines—and Malta—are still awaiting their first papal milestone.
Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) and Pietro Parolin (Italy) are widely considered among the leading favourites to succeed Pope Francis.
#MaltaDaily
