Theoretically, any cardinal taking part in the conclave vote could succeed Pope Francis if they receive enough support.

A majority of two thirds is needed for white smoke to emerge from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

But two stand out cardinals have emerged with the bookies.

Pietro Parolin has a 35% implied probability, oddschecker says. He is the Vatican’s influential top diplomat and a popular moderate. Like his boss, the 70-year-old has espoused a liberal worldview and recently said he was hoping for “an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people”. He also urged Europe to “rediscover itself” in order to be able to face the “major challenges” of the era, in a recent interview.

Luis Antonio Tagle has a 25% implied probability. A former Archbishop of Mania, the Filipino prelate is a longstanding contender for the papacy. The 67-year-old is considered to be relatively liberal and has not been shy to air liberal views, criticising the Church’s view on divorce and same-sex relationships. In this sense, he would likely continue Pope Francis’ steady attempt to modernise the Church’s outlook and focus on spreading social justice.