Carrera, the archbishop of Mexico City, is one of the cardinals considered "papabili", Italian for popeable.

He has been a cardinal since 1998, and has taught at the Pontifical University of Mexico.

Described by his colleagues as a workaholic, Carrera also organized Mexico's Jornadista youth movement.

Carrera is considered a doctrinal conservative, and once closed a seminary he believed taught Marxist theology.

He is also believed to have played a key role in renewing the ties between Mexico and the Vatican under John Paul II.

Carrera has also publicly spoken against corruption and fraud, and criticized globalization.

Like some other cardinals, he may be considered too young for the position.

Others have speculated his abrupt and outspoken manner may work against him when the time comes to elect a new pope.