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5 Cardinals likely to succeed Pope Francis

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Late Pope Francis
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Following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, speculation has intensified over who will take over the spiritual leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

The pontiff, who had long battled health challenges, including a recent bout with double pneumonia, had already stirred conversations about succession well before his passing.

With his death confirmed a day after greeting the faithful at St Peter’s Basilica, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals.

As Vatican tradition dictates, a papal conclave will soon convene to elect a new pope.

1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)

As the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, Cardinal Parolin is the most senior official within the Roman Curia. Aged 70, he is known for his diplomatic acumen and balanced theological stance, often steering clear of the Church’s internal ideological divides.

Parolin has represented the Church in critical geopolitical matters and continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy. Recently, he underscored the need for inclusive peace strategies, warning against “unilateral impositions” that neglect the rights of peoples.

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His experience and moderate tone make him a strong contender — one with both Vatican and global gravitas.

2. Cardinal Peter Erdö (Hungary)

At 72, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdö is one of the more conservative voices within the Church. A canon law expert and former President of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, Erdö has consistently defended traditional Church doctrines.

He’s known for his firm stance against allowing divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion, citing the indissolubility of marriage. His views on immigration have also sparked debate, having once compared the refugee crisis to human trafficking.

Erdö’s conservatism may resonate with traditionalists seeking a return to stricter orthodoxy.

3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

Cardinal Tagle, 67, is widely seen as the torchbearer of Pope Francis’s more progressive legacy. Currently serving as Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization, Tagle was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.

Known for his compassion and inclusive rhetoric, Tagle has publicly criticized the Church’s past treatment of marginalized groups, including gay people and single mothers. His Asian heritage and pastoral approach could mark a historic shift, as he would be the first pope from the Philippines — or any Asian country.

4. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

Often described as a protégé of Pope Francis, 69-year-old Cardinal Matteo Zuppi has gained recognition for his peacemaking efforts and socially conscious outlook. He currently serves as President of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

Zuppi has led Vatican missions to conflict zones like Ukraine and met with global leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden. Known for his inclusive language toward the LGBTQ community, Zuppi has advocated for a Church that listens, heals, and builds bridges.

His close alignment with Francis’s vision could make him a favorite among progressive cardinals.

5. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (United States)

A stark contrast to many on this list, American Cardinal Raymond Burke is often considered the standard-bearer for traditionalist Catholicism. Aged 76, Burke was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI and is known for openly criticizing Pope Francis’s reforms.

He has taken hardline stances against Communion for pro-choice politicians and those in non-traditional marriages, and has resisted shifts in Church language around contraception and civil unions. Though polarizing, Burke appeals to conservative factions within the Church who seek a doctrinal course correction.

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FG reforms NYSC, replaces military leadership, redesigns uniform

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President Bola Tinubu administration has approved the comprehensive reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Under the new arrangement, the military will no longer head the scheme.

Instead, the agency will be led by a civilian in its operational leadership, while the military will continue to handle security for corps members across the country.

The development was announced on Monday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, to amend the NYSC Act and its regulations to reflect all the approved reform measures, enabling immediate implementation of the new framework.

Some of the landmark reforms include:

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A technology-driven call-up process.

Risk-sensitive deployment to better protect corps members.

A redesigned six-week orientation programme with a stronger focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and specialised career streams.

Skills-based primary assignments aligned with academic background and career pathways.

Modern governance with civilian operational leadership while the military continues to provide security support.

Improved camp standards through a national grading and certification system.

A new graduation ceremony to replace the Passing Out Parade, and a redesigned NYSC uniform that reflects professionalism and national pride.

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Group asks court to disqualify Tinubu from 2027 Election over alleged Certificate Forgery

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The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Kano seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the 2027 presidential election over allegations of certificate forgery.

‎According to court documents seen by Daily Trust, the plaintiff alleged that Tinubu presented forged academic certificates from Chicago State University and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 elections.

‎The suit, marked FHC/K/CS/312/2026, lists Tinubu, INEC, and Chicago State University as defendants.

The plaintiff contended that Tinubu never attended Government College Lagos as claimed, noting that the school was established in 1974, four years after Tinubu allegedly graduated.

The CSO further argued that Tinubu does not possess a valid secondary school certificate, which is the minimum constitutional requirement to contest for the presidency.

It claimed that INEC had failed to act on its petition dated June 19, 2026, demanding clarification on Tinubu’s eligibility.

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‎In its statement of claims, the group referenced a 2023 U.S. court ruling in Re: Application of Atiku Abubakar (No. 23 CV 05099), which compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records.

The plaintiff insisted those records revealed false entries and inconsistencies, including a forged University of Cambridge General Certificate of Education.

‎The prayers asked by the plaintiff included declaration of forgery against Tinubu’s Chicago State University certificate, issuance of an order directing INEC to disqualify him from the 2027 presidential election, directing CSU to strike Tinubu’s name from its records and perpetual injunction restraining INEC from uploading Tinubu’s name as a candidate.

‎The plaintiff also submitted affidavits of non-multiplicity of action, witness statements, and letters to the NYSC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, demanding disclaimers on the alleged fake NYSC certificate.

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Firm expresses concern over repeated missing Court File in Ojukwu Property case

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Monarch, four others remanded for arson
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Ojukwu Transport Limited, OTL, has raised concerns over what it described as the repeated absence of court records in its ongoing property dispute with Bianca Ojukwu and her sons, even as it filed a motion for stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

Proceedings before Justice A.M. Lawal of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, last Monday were stalled for the second time in six weeks due to the unavailability of the case file.

The matter was adjourned after the file was reportedly not returned to court.

A similar situation occurred on May 8, 2026, when the case could not proceed because the file was unavailable.

OTL alleged that the file had been taken from the Ikeja Judicial Division to Lagos more than two months ago for the execution of a warrant and had not been returned.

The claimants’ legal representatives were absent from court on both occasions.

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Describing the development as troubling, OTL said the repeated absence of the file had effectively stalled proceedings and raised questions about accountability in the handling of court records.

Amid the delays, the company disclosed that it had filed and served a motion for stay of execution at the Court of Appeal, seeking to halt enforcement of the judgment pending the determination of its appeal against the 2022 decision in Suit No. LD/1539/2012.

OTL maintained that the application became necessary because steps were being taken to enforce the judgment despite its pending appeal.

The company also contended that the properties in dispute had previously been the subject of a warrant of execution arising from a separate judgment delivered in 2018 by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji in Suit No. LD/794/2011.

The case was subsequently adjourned to October 8, 2026.

Present in court on both adjourned dates on behalf of Ojukwu Transport Limited was one of its directors, Dr. P. Ike Ojukwu.

Counsel to OTL are Ifeanyi Okumah Esq and Chief O. Ugolo, SAN, while Bianca Ojukwu and her sons are represented by Nick Omeye Esq and Co.

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