These cardinals work in conflict zones. One could be the next pope.

When Pierbattista Pizzaballa was elected cardinal in 2023, his role as Patriarch of Jerusalem came amid heightened political instability in the Holy Land, with ongoing protests in Israel, Hamas attacks on Gaza, and internal extremism causing fear among Christians. As a symbol of conflict, he faced calls to leave his flock due to the violence and division in the region. Meanwhile, his conclave peers—Cardinal Fridolin Besungu from Congo and Cardinal Charles Maung Bo from Myanmar—each face their own challenges, including besetting issues within their countries that could impact their papal duties.