A number of men had been named as potential successors (papabili) to Pope John Paul II, who passed away on April 2, 2005, before the 2005 conclave. On April 19, 2005, the conclave selected Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.

The list below is alphabetical by surname.

(Note: Most offices in the Roman Curia expire upon the death of each pope. Those cardinals listed as being last to hold an office held those positions at the time of John Paul II's death.)

See also