Pope Francis once quipped that his successor might take the name of John XXIV. Aveline is known for his folksy, easy-going nature, his readiness to crack jokes and his ideological proximity to Francis, especially on immigration and relations with the Muslim world. He is also a serious intellectual, with a doctorate in theology and a degree in philosophy. He was born in Algeria to a family of Spanish immigrants who moved to France after Algerian independence, and has lived most of his life in Marseille, a port that has been a crossroads of cultures and religions for centuries. Under Francis, Aveline has made great career strides, becoming bishop in 2013, archbishop in 2019 and a cardinal three years later. His standing was boosted in 2023 when he organised an international church conference on Mediterranean issues at which Pope Francis was the star guest. If he got the top job, Aveline would become the first French pope since the 14th century. He would also be the youngest pope since John Paul II.