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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope Francis drew inspiration from Latin American church and its martyrs – leaving a legacy for Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV's election marks a historic moment: the first pope from an English-speaking country, and the first from the United States. Even more significant than these 'firsts,' I believe, is a 'second': Leo follows in Pope Francis' footsteps as a priest shaped by the Latin American church. The new pontiff served the church in Peru throughout the late 1980s and '90s. Francis called him back to serve from 2015-2023 as bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo – where Catholics today are rejoicing over the election of one of their own, 'un papa Chiclayano.' As a Catholic theologian, I believe the College of Cardinals' decision to elect another pontiff with such strong ties to Latin America reaffirms the continent's influence on the global church's sense of mission: to be a church that defends the marginalized and stands in solidarity with the oppressed. This vision is embodied by the continent's many Catholics who have given their lives for speaking out against repression, violence and poverty over the past 50 years – most famously St. Oscar Romero, whom Francis beatified in May 2015. Having studied Latin American martyrdom closely, I would argue that Francis' pontificate was at least partially inspired by these martyrs' example, forged in blood. His decision to officially recognize this form of martyrdom adds to the legacy that many Latin American Catholics are hoping Leo will continue. The Second Vatican Council, a series of meetings of bishops from around the world that took place between 1962-65, brought about a number of reforms in the Catholic church, including greater focus on the poor and vulnerable. During the council, a group of bishops gathered in the Catacombs of Saint Domitilla to sign a pact in which they committed themselves to renouncing wealth and privilege and becoming a 'church of the poor.' Many of these bishops were from Latin America, and in 1968, the Latin American Bishops' Conference met to implement the council's reforms. The documents that emerged from this meeting in Medellín, Colombia, encouraged closeness to people living in poverty and placed the promotion of justice and peace at the heart of the church's evangelizing mission. In particular, they emphasized the church's call to help liberate the oppressed from unjust social structures that produce poverty and violence. Not all Latin American bishops embraced this vision of the church's mission. But many took the call to solidarity very seriously, denouncing economic injustices and human rights violations. These bishops and other socially committed Christians promoted causes like land reform, agricultural cooperatives, workers' rights and access to health care and education. At the time, many Latin American countries were marked by vast inequalities, military dictatorships and violent political repression. These regimes, many of which were backed by the United States, often labeled any opposition as 'communist' and a threat to national security. Some Latin American bishops – along with many priests, nuns and laypeople – paid for their faith-inspired commitments to justice and peace with their lives. Thousands of Christians were assassinated during the late 20th century because they stood up for the rights of the poor, or they spoke out against oligarchs for hoarding wealth, land and power. Others were targeted after denouncing military regimes for massacring, torturing and 'disappearing' civilians. Within some sectors of Latin American Catholicism, these women and men are remembered as 'martyrs': people who, like Jesus of Nazareth, gave their lives for following what they saw as God's mandate to speak the truth and practice compassion, justice and peace. During Francis' pontificate, he officially recognized several of these Christians as martyrs, moving their cause for sainthood toward beatification and canonization. Beatification officially declares a person to be 'blessed' and allows them to be venerated locally, while canonization makes them a full saint for the global church. For example, Bishop Enrique Ángel Angelelli was assassinated in 1976 for his solidarity with the poor and defense of workers' rights during Argentina's Dirty War – a violent campaign of state terrorism against critics of the military junta. Francis declared him a martyr in 2018. The following year, Angelelli was beatified, along with two priests and a lay leader from the same province who were all similarly martyred just weeks before. Archbishop Óscar Arnulfo Romero was equally committed to defending the poor of El Salvador during the years of armed conflict leading up to the Salvadoran Civil War. In his Sunday homilies, he named people who had been imprisoned, tortured and disappeared by military and paramilitary forces, and drew on the Gospel and church teaching to challenge the violence and oppression of the day. His promotion of human rights and his demand that the military 'stop the repression' led to his assassination while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980. Francis declared Romero a martyr and beatified him in 2015, then canonized him in 2018. These actions placed a stamp of approval on how leaders like Angelelli and Romero embodied the church's mission in their own time and place. But Francis' recognition also made a broader statement about how the church should relate to the 'powers and principalities' of the world. Throughout his papacy, Francis continued these martyrs' commitment by standing with people on the 'peripheries': washing the feet of prisoners, defending the rights of migrants and demanding care for the Earth. In the 21st century, care for the Earth is producing a whole new generation of martyrs like Angelelli and Romero. Land and environmental defenders in Latin America and around the world are being assassinated for their work to mitigate harm from industries like fossil fuel extraction, mining, logging, ranching and more. In September 2024, Francis signaled his awareness of this phenomenon when he lamented the murder of Juan Antonio López. López was a lay Catholic leader in Honduras whose faith inspired him to defend local communities, lands and rivers from open-pit iron oxide mining. The Latin American bishops' conference has taken note of this resurgence in violent persecution. In December 2024, it launched a campaign called 'Life is hanging on by a thread,' promoting solidarity with the work of ecological and human rights defenders like López. As a former vice president of the Peruvian bishops' conference, Pope Leo XIV is likely aware of this campaign and the violence that it hopes to disarm. The new pope had a close relationship with Francis, whose legacy looms large. A key inspiration for that legacy, however, is the witness of Latin American Christians whose blood has been shed for justice, peace and the environment. Only time will tell if this new pontiff's leadership continues their indomitable solidarity with people whom, in Francis' words, this world has deemed to be 'disposable.' This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Elizabeth O'Donnell Gandolfo, Wake Forest University Read more: Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes The Catholic Church is increasingly diverse – and so are its controversies Even with Pope Leo XIV in place, US Catholics stand 'at a crossroads' Elizabeth O'Donnell Gandolfo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Irish Examiner
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Cardinals to begin choosing new pope in largest ever conclave
Catholic cardinals from all over the world will begin casting their votes for a new pope under Michelangelo's The Last Judgment ceiling fresco in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon in what is the largest and possibly the most unpredictable conclave to ever take place. One of the legacies of Pope Francis, who died last month aged 88, was to leave behind a widely diverse but divided college of cardinals, with some in harmony with the progressive church he promoted and others wanting to overthrow his changes and turn back the clock. The 133 cardinals with the power to vote have been getting to know each other and sharing visions for the future of the church during daily pre-conclave meetings since 28 April. However, the challenge of the task in hand appeared to be summed up by Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, the archbishop of Jakarta, who was the last cardinal to arrive in Rome and was playing catch-up on Monday. 'There's a lot of confusion,' he told journalists after hearing addresses from 50 cardinals. 'We have heard many voices, it's not easy to draw conclusions.' The men met for a final time on Tuesday morning before moving into their lodgings in Casa Santa Maria, where they will be required to hand over their mobile phones and remain sequestered from the outside world until a new pope is chosen, only venturing outside for the bus ride between the guesthouse and the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals swear an oath to secrecy, as do all Vatican staff assisting them, from cooks and cleaners to drivers and medics. Cardinals arrive at the Vatican for a College of Cardinals' meeting on May 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) There are two rounds of votes each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Smoke is emitted from the chimney installed atop the Sistine Chapel at the end of each voting session – if it is black, it means the vote has yielded no decision, if it is white then a new pope has been chosen. If the election drags on, the cardinals will take a day off for reflection after three full days of voting. Speculation over who will succeed Francis was rife even before his death, and with each passing day a new papabile, or papacy candidate, is added to the speculative list of more than 20 potential popes. The rising star in recent days is Robert Prevost, a moderate cardinal from the US known for his 'solid judgment and a keen capacity to listen', according to the Catholic newspaper Crux. Prevost appears to have taken the shine off another moderate frontrunner, Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state who is considered to be a stellar diplomat but perhaps too boring to lead the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Another favourite is Luis Antonio Tagle, a reformer from the Philippines nicknamed 'the Asian Francis'. But, along with Parolin, he has been criticised for mishandling cases of clerical sexual abuse against children. Alongside Tagle, others in the progressive camp include the Italian cardinals Matteo Zuppi and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, a peace-seeker who has lived in Jerusalem for years, as well as Jean-Claude Hollerich from Luxembourg, Timothy Radcliffe from the UK and Michael Czerny of Canada. On the traditionalist side are Hungary's Péter Erdő and Robert Sarah, a cardinal from Guinea who criticised Francis's papacy. Although not on the frontrunner list, among those lobbying for a conservative successor to Francis are Raymond Burke, a Donald Trump-supporting US bishop, and Gerhard Müller, a German who warned that the church could split if an orthodox pope is not elected. ROME, ITALY - MAY 05: Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti faces the media as he arrives at the Vatican for a College of Cardinals' meeting on May 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) But as the old papal election saying goes, 'he who enters the conclave as pope, leaves it as a cardinal', few frontrunners at the start of the process make it through the successive rounds of voting. A key example of that was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who in 2013 was not considered a contender but by the end of the conclave became Pope Francis. One thing the cardinals seemed to agree on in the run-up to the conclave was the need for a new pope to be capable of 'being a bridge and a guide for a disorientated humanity marked by the crisis of the world order' while reaffirming their commitment to 'support the new pope', a Vatican official said during a press briefing on Monday. 'These men of faith are entering [the conclave] believing that God has already chosen the next pope,' said Andrea Vreede, the Vatican correspondent for NOS, the Dutch public radio and TV network. 'Now they have to figure out what that choice is. It is unpredictable because there are many new electors who do not know each other very well, because Francis never organised cardinal meetings, so they were never invited to assist or advise the pope. So the one thing they can agree on, whether they are far left or far right, is that they all want more involvement in the government of the next pope.' Another thing they all seem to agree on is that the conclave must be kept short, perhaps lasting no more than three to four days. 'I think they already have someone in mind,' said Severina Bartonitschek, the Vatican correspondent for KNA, a Catholic news agency in Germany. 'And the main job for the new pope will be unifying the church. This is always a job for any pontiff but it will be especially critical for the next pope. Yes, he will have to handle evangelisation but also issues like the abuse cases. We need to have a pope who is not afraid to fight against this issue.' - The Guardian
Irish Examiner
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
How does the conclave to elect a new pope work and how long will it take?
Cardinals will begin voting to elect a new pope in the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday. How does it work? Who is taking part? Cardinals, the senior members of the Catholic clergy known as the 'princes of the church'. Only those under the age of 80 are eligible to take part and two have said they cannot attend due to ill health. (Another, Angelo Becciu, who was convicted of fraud and embezzlement in 2022, is not taking part.) The Vatican has confirmed all 133 cardinals expected to participate have arrived in Rome. More than 50 of the cardinal electors are European, with Italy dominating. Ten are from the US, 23 from Asia, 21 from Central and South America, and 18 from Africa. What will they do when the conclave begins? The scarlet-clad men will make their way from their residence at Casa Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel. They will hand in their phones; the chapel has already been swept for bugs and jamming devices installed. Each will swear an oath of secrecy. Conclave officials sign the oath of confidentiality at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on Tuesday. Picture: Vatican Media via Getty Images The master of pontifical liturgical celebrations calls out 'extra omnes' — everyone out. All those present except the cardinal electors and a handful of officials and doctors leave and the doors are locked. There are no speeches or debate inside the chapel. The first vote will probably be taken on Wednesday afternoon. Thereafter, four votes will be held each day until one candidate reaches a two-thirds majority. Their days will start with Mass. The cardinal electors will break for lunch at about 12.30pm, returning to the chapel in the late afternoon for more rounds of voting. The cardinals will recite vespers together at the end of the day's proceedings and then return to the Santa Marta guest house for dinner. There are only 120 rooms at the Santa Marta, so overflow accommodation has been arranged in a nearby residence. If there is no result after three days, cardinals can take a rest day for prayer and reflection. How does the voting system work? Each cardinal will be allocated a desk, on which sits a pen and a pile of ballot papers with the words Eligo in summum pontificem (I elect as supreme pontiff) printed at the top. They write their preferred name, fold the paper in half and place it in a bronze urn. Each day, three scrutineers are chosen by lot from their number, plus three infirmari who collect ballots from any cardinals too sick to come to the Sistine Chapel, and three revisers. Members of the public try to get a glimpse of cardinals arriving at the Vatican for a College of Cardinals' meeting on Monday. Picture:The ballot papers are counted and recounted before being threaded with a needle — piercing the word eligo — into a bundle. The papers are burned in a stove. If there is no result, chemicals are added to make the smoke black; if there is a successful candidate, the chemicals turn the smoke white. The smoke travels through a flue that leads to a chimney installed on the roof. Vatican firefighters are on standby. When white smoke emerges from the chimney, bells will also be rung, signalling to the crowds outside habemus papam: we have a pope. What happens to the new pope? The dean of the College of Cardinals asks the man: 'Do you accept your canonical election as supreme pontiff?' If he agrees, he must decide his papal name. The cardinals will pledge obedience to the new pope. Then he will be taken into the adjacent Room of Tears, where he will change from his scarlet cardinal's outfit into a white papal cassock. Usually small, medium and large cassocks are made in advance. This time it is thought the Vatican is recycling cassocks made for previous conclaves. The new pope is led to the main balcony of St Peter's Basilica to greet the crowds. How long will the conclave last? It could be anything from a few hours to weeks. The longest conclave in history, in the 13th century, lasted two years and nine months. Since the beginning of the 20th century, most conclaves have lasted two or three days. If no candidate has secured a two-thirds majority after 13 days of balloting, a runoff takes place between the top two candidates — but two-thirds of the cardinals' votes are still needed to become pope. If there is still a deadlock, it is not clear what happens next. The Guardian Read More The frontrunners hotly tipped to replace Pope Francis as cardinals prepare for conclave
Irish Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
The Irish disapora and its role in electing the successor to Pope Francis this week
Cardinal Seán Brady, who is 85, is Ireland's only voice at the College of Cardinals' continuing general congregation discussions, the 10th of which took place at the Vatican on Monday. But, as he is aged over 80, he will not be taking part in the conclave to elect a new pope, which begins on Wednesday afternoon. However, Ireland will not be without influence due to its diaspora. There is, of course, Drimnagh's Cardinal Kevin Farrell (77) , Camerlengo at the Vatican, but not on any list as a future pope. Yet some from the Irish diaspora are in the running. Archbishop of Johannesburg Cardinal Stephen Brislin (68) is so proud of his Irish and Scottish background he included a shamrock and thistle in his coat of arms as bishop and archbishop. Unusually for an African cardinal, he is on the more liberal wing of the Catholic church. Also talked about as a possible compromise, as in an 'all-fruit-fails' pope, is Cardinal Arthur Roche (75), one of three from England in the College of Cardinals; the others are cardinals Vincent Nichols and Timothy Radcliffe. READ MORE Cardinal Roche is a Yorkshire man with an Irish background and was formerly Bishop of Leeds before joining the Roman Curia in 2012. He was made cardinal by Pope Francis in 2022. If elected pope Cardinal Roche would be the first English pontiff since Adrian IV (Nicholas Breakspear). Pope from 1154 to 1159, Adrian IV is never to be forgotten in Ireland, as it was his 1155 Papal Bull, or decree, Laudabiliter, which 'gave Ireland as a hereditary possession to the illustrious king of the English, Henry II'. Perhaps Cardinal Roche as pope might consider a reverse decree? Of the US cardinals, the one spoken of most favourably as 'papabile' is Archbishop of Newark and Irish-American Cardinal Joseph Tobin (72), a member of the Redemptorist congregation. [ Watch: Vatican releases video showing preparations in Sistine Chapel ahead of papal conclave ] Very much of the Francis wing, he was part of the Vatican team sent to Ireland in 2010 to investigate the male religious orders following publication of the Ryan and Murphy reports in 2009. Somewhat more conservative is Irish-Canadian Cardinal Thomas Collins (78), former Archbishop of Toronto who might be too old for the papacy. He was also sent to Ireland in 2010 to investigate the Cashel archdiocese following publication of statutory abuse reports in 2009. It is believed unlikely an American will be elected pope as, generally speaking, the College of Cardinals steers clear – assisted by the Holy Spirit, of course – of electing someone from a major world power. It does not mean Americans themselves do not speculate, in hope more than confidence (unusually), about a pope emerging from their ranks. Two of their leading would-be contenders are Irish-Americans: Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan (75) and Cardinal Raymond Burke (76). Whatever slender hope Cardinal Dolan may have had might have been scuppered by Donald Trump who offered his support to Cardinal Dolan as pope. The cardinal led opening prayers at the US president's inauguration last January. Cardinal Dolan has been to Ireland many times, where he would be somewhat less than beloved. This has been particularly so since 2012 when it emerged that, following a report of his on the Irish College in Rome , three senior priests there were removed from their posts while a fourth resigned in protest. Ireland's Catholic archbishops at the time described Cardinal Dolan's report as the result of 'a deep prejudice' against the college. Cardinal Burke could have been described as leader of the less-than-loyal-opposition to Pope Francis. He too has been to Ireland many times, taking part in annual conferences at Fota, Co Cork. Deeply traditional with a fondness for the flamboyant vestments of the pre-Vatican II era, his chances of being elected pope are slim – such is the strength of his traditional views they could split the church.
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Conclave Update: Who Remains in Pope Election After Becciu Withdraws?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A pivotal shift has occurred in the lead-up to the papal conclave in May as Cardinal Angelo Becciu, once seen as a potential contender to succeed Pope Francis, has officially withdrawn from participating in the vote to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. Becciu's decision followed mounting pressure tied to his conviction for embezzlement, further reshaping a race already laden with political, doctrinal and geographical complexity. The Vatican confirmed that the secret conclave to elect a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics will begin on May 7. Why Did Becciu Withdraw? Becciu, 76, cited a desire to serve "the good of the church, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, as well as to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey as I have always done the will of Pope Francis not to enter the conclave while remaining convinced of my innocence." Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, left, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu arrive for a College of Cardinals' meeting at the Vatican on April 28, 2025. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, left, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu arrive for a College of Cardinals' meeting at the Vatican on April 28, 2025. Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo The Italian cardinal was once considered a leading figure in Vatican operations and a close adviser to Francis. His downfall began in 2020, when Francis forced him to resign as head of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and stripped him of cardinal privileges following allegations of financial misconduct. Becciu was convicted in 2023 on charges of embezzlement and sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison—a ruling he is currently appealing. Despite his eligibility as a cardinal under the age of 80, Becciu was not considered a valid elector, and his participation had not been officially sanctioned even before his statement. His withdrawal followed reports that he was presented with two letters signed by Francis before his death, instructing him not to take part in the conclave. Who Are the Remaining Front-Runners? With Becciu's exit, attention has turned to the remaining contenders—many of whom reflect sharply different theological directions and geographical backgrounds. While bookmakers and Vatican watchers differ in predictions, several names consistently emerge as front-runners. Cardinal Pietro Parolin Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presides over a mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presides over a mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Andreea Alexandru/AP Photo Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013, is widely considered the favorite. Bookmakers currently list him at 9/4 odds. Described as a moderate and consensus-builder, Parolin has steered Vatican diplomacy on global issues and is seen as a continuation of Francis' centrist path. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, center, attends the procession of the body of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, center, attends the procession of the body of Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where he will lie in state for three days. Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo Aged 67 and from the Philippines, Tagle would be the first Asian pope. Known for his pastoral style and liberal leanings, he has expressed support for LGBTQ+ Catholics and unmarried mothers. "The harsh words that were used in the past to refer to gays and divorced and separated people, the unwed mothers [and so on], in the past they were quite severe. Many people who belonged to those groups were branded and that led to their isolation from the wider society," the Independent reported Tagle as saying. Bookmakers place him second at 3/1 odds. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is approached by reporters as he arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Monday, April 28, 2025. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi is approached by reporters as he arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting, at the Vatican, Monday, April 28, 2025. Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo Zuppi, 69, has emerged as a strong contender in recent months and William Hill has him at 6/1 to be the next pope. A favorite of Francis and the current president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, he has led peace missions and advocated for inclusivity in the Church. He has made positive remarks about dialogue with LGBTQ+ Catholics and has participated in global diplomatic efforts, including trips to Ukraine and the United States. Cardinal Peter Turkson Ghanaian Cardinal Turkson, 76, is the highest-profile African contender. A former head of the Vatican's justice and peace office, he combines progressive political views with conservative theological stances. Turkson opposed the use of condoms during the AIDS pandemic, although he spoke out about the possible criminalization of homosexuality in his home country. Bookmakers also list Turkson at 6/1 odds. Cardinal Peter Erdo Cardinal Peter Erdo conducts the Christmas Day Mass in Esztergom Basilica, near Budapest, Hungary, on December 25, 2016. Cardinal Peter Erdo conducts the Christmas Day Mass in Esztergom Basilica, near Budapest, Hungary, on December 25, 2016. Attila Kovacs/MTI via AP Hungarian Cardinal Erdo, 72, represents the Church's conservative faction. Known for his Marian devotion—which encourages piety and seeks the intercession of the Virgin Mary—and strict doctrinal stances, he is viewed as a potential challenger to Parolin, especially in early voting rounds and has odds of 7/1. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa At 60, the Patriarch of Jerusalem is among the youngest contenders. Pizzaballa's leadership in the region during recent geopolitical turmoil has earned him widespread respect. Rabbi David Rosen, former American Jewish Committee international director of Interreligious Affairs, told The Times of Israel "it would be wonderful if he were elected, not just because he comes from here and he understands us, but because he's such an exceptionally bright and good person." Cardinal Robert Sarah Cardinal Robert Sarah appears for the presentation of Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke's book Divine Love Made Flesh, in Rome, on Oct. 14, 2015. Cardinal Robert Sarah appears for the presentation of Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke's book Divine Love Made Flesh, in Rome, on Oct. 14, 2015. Andrew Medichini, File/AP Photo Another conservative, Sarah from Guinea, remains a longshot due to his age (79), but carries substantial backing among traditionalist factions. Known for criticizing Vatican reforms and strongly opposing LGBTQ+ rights, he is described as a traditionalist and a conservative. Broader Context With 135 electors under 80, the conclave begins amid uncertainty. While the Church has never selected a British pope in modern history, American Cardinal Timothy Dolan was singled out by President Donald Trump as a "very good" option during a press event on April 29. "I'd like to be pope. That would be my number one choice. No, I don't know, I have no preference…I must say we have a cardinal [Timothy Dolan, who has been the archbishop of New York since 2009] that happens to be out of a place called New York who's very good," Trump told reporters on April 29. Trump's remarks, though not endorsements, reflect the global interest surrounding the Vatican's next chapter. The conclave begins May 7, and cardinals will vote in rounds until one receives a two-thirds majority. There is no set time for how long a conclave may last, but recent ones have concluded within a few days. While bookmakers have focused on a handful of front-runners, recent history shows the eventual pope is often a surprise pick, with the voting process inside the Sistine Chapel frequently defying outside predictions.
