Latest news with #post-Francis
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Who will be the next pope? Some potential candidates to succeed Francis
Predicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is near impossible as cardinals' positions shift over successive votes and some try to game the system to influence the chances of their favoured – or least-favoured – candidates. In the last conclave in 2013, few predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. At the moment, speculation is focusing on these men to succeed him: Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy Seen as a moderate 'continuity candidate', Parolin was close to Francis. He has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013, playing a key role in diplomatic affairs, including delicate negotiations with China and governments in the Middle East. He is regarded as a reliable and trusted papal representative by secular diplomats. In 2018, he was the driving force behind a controversial agreement with the Chinese government on the appointment of bishops, criticised by some as a sellout to the communist regime. Parolin's critics see him as a modernist and a pragmatist who places ideology and diplomatic solutions above hard truths of the faith. To his supporters, he is a courageous idealist and avid proponent of peace. Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, the Philippines Tagle, a former archbishop of Manila, would be the first Asian pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. At one time he was considered to be Francis's preferred successor and a strong contender to continue the late pope's progressive agenda, but recently appears to have fallen out of favour. He has suggested that the Catholic church's stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh, but has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines. Peter Turkson, 76, Ghana Turkson would be the first black pope in centuries. He has been vocal on issues such as the climate crisis, poverty and economic justice while affirming the church's traditional positions on the priesthood, marriage between a man and a woman, and homosexuality. However, his views on the latter have loosened and he has argued that laws in many African countries are too harsh. He has spoken out on corruption and human rights. Péter Erdő, 72, Hungary A leading conservative candidate, Erdő has been a strong advocate for traditional Catholic teachings and doctrine. He would represent a big shift away from Francis's approach. He is widely regarded as a great intellect and a man of culture. Erdő was a favourite of the late cardinal George Pell who believed he would restore the rule of law in the post-Francis Vatican. In 2015, Erdő appeared to align himself with Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orbán, when he opposed Francis's call for churches to take in migrants. Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy Appointed a cardinal by Francis in 2019, Zuppi is considered to be on the progressive wing of the church, and would be expected to continue Francis's legacy, sharing the late pope's concern for the poor and marginalised. He is (relatively) liberal on same-sex relationships. Two years ago, Francis made him the Vatican peace envoy for Ukraine, in which capacity he visited Moscow to 'encourage gestures of humanity'. While there he met Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox church and Vladimir Putin's ally. He has also met Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president. José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, 59, Portugal Tolentino is one of the youngest potential successors to Francis, which could count against him – ambitious cardinals may not want to wait another 20 or 30 years before another shot at the top job. He has attracted controversy for sympathising with tolerant views on same-sex relationships and allying himself with a feminist Benedictine sister who favours women's ordination and is pro-choice. He was close to Francis on most issues, and argues that the church must engage with modern culture. Mario Grech, 68, Malta Grech was seen as a traditionalist but began to embrace more progressive views after Francis was elected in 2013. His supporters argue that his changing opinions show his capacity for growth and change. He has criticised European political leaders who sought to limit the activities of NGO ships and has expressed support for female deacons. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Italy Since 2020, Pizzaballa has been the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, a crucial role in advocating for the Christian minority in the Holy Land. After Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Pizzaballa offered himself as a hostage in exchange for children who were being held by Hamas in Gaza. He visited Gaza in May 2024 after months of negotiations. He would be expected to continue some aspects of Francis's leadership of the church, but has made few public statements on controversial issues. Robert Sarah, 79, Guinea Sarah is a traditional, Orthodox cardinal who at one time sought to present himself as a 'parallel authority' to Francis, according to a Vatican observer. In 2020, he co-authored a book with the then retired Pope Benedict defending clerical celibacy that was seen as a challenge to Francis's authority. He has denounced 'gender ideology' as a threat to society, and has spoken out against Islamic fundamentalism. Like Turkson, he could make history as the first black pope in centuries. • This article was amended on 21 April 2025. An earlier version stated that Luis Antonio Tagle could become the first black pope in centuries, however this should have said Peter Turkson.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Next Pope Update: Four Frontrunners Emerge as Conclave Starts
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. As the conclave to elect the next pope begins Wednesday at the Vatican, four candidates have emerged as clear favorites—Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi and Pierbattista Pizzaballa. They all have more than a 10 percent probability of being selected to replace Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic church, according to the betting site Polymarket. Why It Matters The next pope will shape the spiritual direction and administrative governance of the Catholic Church during a critical moment of transformation. As the first conclave of the post-Francis era, it will determine whether the Church continues down the reformist path he charted or shifts toward a more traditional model of leadership. The outcome carries far-reaching implications—from the Church's approach to sexuality and doctrine to its geopolitical influence across regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where Catholicism continues to expand. What To Know As of Tuesday, Polymarket lists the following odds based on total trading volume of more than $17.6 million: Pietro Parolin – 26 percent likelihood, with more than $1.1 million in bets. – 26 percent likelihood, with more than $1.1 million in bets. Luis Antonio Tagle – 20 percent, with $1.26 million wagered. – 20 percent, with $1.26 million wagered. Matteo Zuppi – 11 percent, with $837,000 in trading volume. – 11 percent, with $837,000 in trading volume. Pierbattista Pizzaballa – 9 percent, with $861,000 wagered. These four candidates are the only ones with more than a 10 percent chance of winning, creating a clear tier of favorites going into the conclave. Other notable names such as Péter Erdő, Peter Turkson, and Jean-Marc Aveline remain in the single-digit range, suggesting a sharp drop-off in perceived viability beyond the top four. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives in the New Hall of the Synod at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the last time before the start of the conclave starting in the afternoon of Wenesday, May 7,... Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives in the New Hall of the Synod at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the last time before the start of the conclave starting in the afternoon of Wenesday, May 7, when they will elect the successor of Pope Francis. More AP How Does the Conclave Process Work? The conclave begins Wednesday with 135 eligible cardinals—those under the age of 80—gathering in the Sistine Chapel, where they are locked in seclusion from the outside world. The word "conclave" comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning "with a key," underscoring the strict privacy of the process. The men will have to swear an oath of secrecy and and are reminded of their duty to seek God's will above all, according to eCatholic Teachings. The voting process involves secret ballots, and a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. On the first day, usually only one ballot is cast. From the second day onward, up to four ballots may be conducted daily—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. After each round of voting, ballots are burned. If no pope is selected, chemicals produce black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney. White smoke, accompanied by the ringing of bells, signals that a new pope has been elected. The elected cardinal is then asked if he accepts the role. Upon acceptance, he immediately becomes pope and selects a papal name. The world is notified with the proclamation "Habemus Papam!" ("We have a pope!"), followed by his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. There, he delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing—to the city and to the world. Modern conclaves often last between one and five days, depending on how quickly consensus can be reached. The most recent, in 2013, elected Francis on the second day. What People Are Saying Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, told The Times: "When the conclave begins, it is very much about prayerful listening and trying to be attentive. I've got to be still enough inside of me to catch the resonance of what is being said." Rev. Dr Andrzej Choromanski, from the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, said on Tuesday at an ecumenical prayer service for the conclave organized by the World Council of Churches, "The election of a pope is not a political act, nor is it merely administrative. It is, when properly understood, a deeply spiritual moment of discernment when the church seeks a shepherd after the heart of Christ." What Happens Next Balloting is set to begin Wednesday afternoon following the Mass and oaths. If no candidate is selected in the initial rounds, voting will continue twice daily until one reaches the two-thirds threshold. Crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square will watch the chimney for signs of progress. With speculation running high and a field of prominent candidates in play, the Catholic Church may soon welcome its 267th pope before the end of the week.
Boston Globe
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Ultraconservatives are pushing for a pope like them. It might not happen.
Some archconservatives are campaigning to propel one of their own to the forefront of discussions over Francis's successor. Burke is among those whose name has placed high on some circulating lists, for unspecified reasons. Other hard-line conservatives, including Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea and Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana have even managed to land among the favorites with the gambling firm William Hill. But close Church-watchers say the rumor mill about a hard-right post-Francis turn rather reflects the built-up longings of a small but passionate, devoted and loud segment of the American church. After enduring a pope for more than a decade that some saw as damaging to the faith, American conservatives think this might be their moment. Advertisement 'A large number of American conservative Catholics would basically dream of having Cardinal Burke as the next pope, but they're disconnected to reality,' said Alejandro Bermúdez, a longtime figure in American conservative Catholic media who is consulting to the news site Catholic Vote. Advertisement A senior Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frame internal discussions dismissed Burke and Sarah - and candidates like them - out of hand. 'There is no space for them in the [minds of] the vast majority of the cardinals. They've got zero chance.' Of Turkson, a senior cleric who speaks six languages and is a favorite of traditionalists, the official noted that his removal by Francis from a senior position in 2021 appeared to diminish his chances. Several other Vatican-watchers agreed. The Rev. Thomas Reese, an American priest who has written several books about the inner workings of the Catholic Church and has closely followed papal conclaves, called reports of an ultraconservative front-runner 'nonsense.' Some 80 percent of the cardinals were appointed by Pope Francis, Reese told The Washington Post, 'and they are not going to elect someone who is then going to stand up and say that the Francis papacy was a disaster and we're going back to the old church. That is not going to happen.' Reese said he thinks cardinals will look this time for a moderate. But what does that word mean? To some U.S. conservatives, it means backing off things that seem to demote or dismiss traditional practices or doctrine: remove limitations Francis put in place on the Latin Mass; stop doing things like establishing special policies around blessing LGBTQ couples; stop futzing around with the rules and traditions - such as appointing so many cardinals that the number is now over the norm. The Rev. Robert Sirico, a Michigan-based priest-commentator who went from same-sex marriage advocate to free-market conservative, said he thinks most U.S. conservatives want a compromise on things like the traditional Latin Mass, the ancient form of Catholic worship which Francis strictly limited in 2021, saying it was becoming a sign of rebellion against the modern church. The Mass is said in Latin with the priest facing away from the congregation. Advertisement 'Overall, conservative Catholics would just like some clarity and theological substance from Rome,' he wrote in an email to The Post. 'I have heard from 'folks in the pew' that they would also appreciate clear theological teaching on a host of matters (not all related to the hot button issues) rather than what appears to have been an obsession with politics.' Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, a longtime Francis critic, said it was inappropriate to separate cardinals into 'these wrong categories, between conservative and liberal. Because Jesus didn't found two wings [of the church] … there's one church, and the church is united in the faith in Jesus Christ. And there is no conservative baptism or the progressive baptism,' he said in an interview with The Post. Yet some senior church conservatives have been extremely vocal in lobbying ahead of the conclave, seeing the coming election as crucial to their bid to redirect the church following 12 years of Francis's 'open door,' in which he reached out to groups including LGBTQ+ people, and divorced and remarried Catholics. Some relatively conservative cardinals are considered serious candidates, led by Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary. But Erdo was never seen as part of the anti-Francis set of archconservative bishops and cardinals who were extremely vocal in their criticism of the pope, and who Francis, in his last years, began to punish through demotions and removal of perks. Advertisement Marco Politi, a longtime Vatican commentator, told The Post that 'behind the scenes' the 'low-level helpers of the conservatives are busy' promoting the idea around the conclave that Francis's papacy was 'a disaster,' he said. The point is to 'intimidate the reformers. We are in the first stage of the maneuvers.' 'As we say in Italy, 'It's just tricks for the stupid,'' Politi said, in response to the circulation of names like Sarah and Burke. The promotion of conservative candidates, from some corners, started almost immediately after Francis's death was announced. 'Meet Cardinal Robert Sarah, who's in the running to be the next Pontiff. He's conservative, pro-life, anti-woke,' far-right influencer Ian Miles Cheong wrote on X on April 21, the day Francis died. 'Already Cardinal Robert Sarah is trending,' the Pillar, a popular U.S. Catholic news site, wrote of the Guinean cleric who strongly opposes priestly blessings of same-gender couples, noting the uptick in chatter while downplaying Sarah's prospects. Since then, some outlets have also sought to link Burke and President Donald Trump - apparently based on previous, flattering statements Burke has made about Trump, but also absent any evidence the president has expressed a papal preference. Messages left for the White House press office as to the president's views on the conclave, and Burke, weren't returned. Social media campaigns are also running rampant. A 2019 video of one of the leading liberal contenders - Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines - singing John Lennon's ballad 'Imagine' has also gone viral. Some conservatives have shared it as evidence Tagle is unworthy of being selected pope because of the song's lyrics, which include the lines 'Imagine there's no heaven … and no religion, too.' Advertisement In pre-conclave meetings among cardinals that began last week - known as congregations - some conservatives have been lobbying for a traditionalist pope. Bishop Athanasius Schneider, a conservative auxiliary bishop of Astana, Kazakhstan, has been advocating for a leader free from 'the materialistic, morally depraved and anti-Christian globalist agenda of this world' with a willingness to defend 'the integrity of … Church discipline.' 'May all true sons and daughters of the Church implore the miracle of the election of a new Pope, who will be fully Catholic, fully Apostolic and fully Roman,' Schneider wrote in an open letter. Stefano Pitrelli in Rome contributed to this report.
The Guardian
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Who will be the next pope? Some potential candidates to succeed Francis
Predicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is near impossible as cardinals' positions shift over successive votes and some try to game the system to influence the chances of their favoured – or least-favoured – candidates. In the last conclave in 2013, few predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. At the moment, speculation is focusing on these men to succeed him: Seen as a moderate 'continuity candidate', Parolin was close to Francis. He has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013, playing a key role in diplomatic affairs, including delicate negotiations with China and governments in the Middle East. He is regarded as a reliable and trusted papal representative by secular diplomats. In 2018, he was the driving force behind a controversial agreement with the Chinese government on the appointment of bishops, criticised by some as a sellout to the communist regime. Parolin's critics see him as a modernist and a pragmatist who places ideology and diplomatic solutions above hard truths of the faith. To his supporters, he is a courageous idealist and avid proponent of peace. Tagle, a former archbishop of Manila, would be the first Asian pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. At one time he was considered to be Francis's preferred successor and a strong contender to continue the late pope's progressive agenda, but recently appears to have fallen out of favour. He has suggested that the Catholic church's stance on gay and divorced couples is too harsh, but has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines. Turkson would be the first black pope in centuries. He has been vocal on issues such the climate crisis, poverty and economic justice while affirming the church's traditional positions on the priesthood, marriage between a man and a woman, and homosexuality. However, his views on the latter have loosened and he has argued that laws in many African countries are too harsh. He has spoken out on corruption and human rights. A leading conservative candidate, Erdő has been a strong advocate for traditional Catholic teachings and doctrine. He would represent a big shift away from Francis's approach. He is widely regarded as a great intellect and a man of culture. Erdő was a favourite of the late cardinal George Pell who believed he would restore the rule of law in the post-Francis Vatican. In 2015, Erdő appeared to align himself with Hungary's nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orbán, when he opposed Francis's call for churches to take in migrants. Appointed a cardinal by Francis in 2019, Zuppi is considered to be on the progressive wing of the church, and would be expected to continue Francis's legacy, sharing the late pope's concern for the poor and marginalised. He is (relatively) liberal on same-sex relationships. Two years ago, Francis made him the Vatican peace envoy for Ukraine, in which capacity he visited Moscow to 'encourage gestures of humanity'. While there he met Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox church and Vladimir Putin's ally. He has also met Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's president. Tolentino is one of the youngest potential successors to Francis, which could count against him – ambitious cardinals may not want to wait another 20 or 30 years before another shot at the top job. He has attracted controversy for sympathising with tolerant views on same-sex relationships and allying himself with a feminist Benedictine sister who favours women's ordination and is pro-choice. He was close to Francis on most issues, and argues that the church must engage with modern culture. Grech was seen as a traditionalist but began to embrace more progressive views after Francis was elected in 2013. His supporters argue that his changing opinions show his capacity for growth and change. He has criticised European political leaders who sought to limit the activities of NGO ships and has expressed support for female deacons. Since 2020, Pizzaballa has been the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, a crucial role in advocating for the Christian minority in the Holy Land. After Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Pizzaballa offered himself as a hostage in exchange for children who were being held by Hamas in Gaza. He visited Gaza in May 2024 after months of negotiations. He would be expected to continue some aspects of Francis's leadership of the church, but has made few public statements on controversial issues. Sarah is a traditional, Orthodox cardinal who at one time sought to present himself as a 'parallel authority' to Francis, according to a Vatican observer. In 2020, he co-authored a book with the then retired Pope Benedict defending clerical celibacy that was seen as a challenge to Francis's authority. He has denounced 'gender ideology' as a threat to society, and has spoken out against Islamic fundamentalism. Like Tagle, he could make history as the first black pope in centuries.
Washington Post
15-03-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Pope Francis is recovering. It hasn't stopped talk of a succession.
VATICAN CITY — Candidates include cardinals from Asia and Africa, though whispers in the hallways of the Holy See also speak of a return to the well of Europe. In a church where hardline traditionalists have feuded with Pope Francis, some see a need for a peacemaker. Others believe a Vatican in financial crisis requires first and foremost a fundraiser. Vatican officials warn that it's disrespectful to discuss the conclave that will elect Francis's successor while the 88-year-old pontiff is still in his Rome hospital suite recovering from a series of health crises. But that hasn't stopped the talk, or what at times has appeared to be open campaigning, in violation of canon law. 'The pope is still alive,' said Alberto Melloni, a Rome-based Vatican watcher. 'But it feels like the conclave has already begun.' Until Francis was hospitalized last month, the process of choosing his replacement was seen as potentially years away — and it still might be. But his bout with double pneumonia, and warnings by medical observers that he could return to the Vatican significantly diminished, have accelerated discussions of succession scenarios in what could be the second papal retirement in a row. 'All of his faculties may be affected after clinical recovery: motor, respiratory and even neurological,' said Andrea Trovè, a respiratory diseases specialist in Rome who is not treating the pope but has been closely following his medical reports. 'There's a chance he may not be able to return to the public.' Interviews with more than a dozen Vatican insiders and watchers, including five senior officials inside the Holy See, suggest that the church is reflecting on a post-Francis future. Some conclaves have been predictable. As the College of Cardinals filed into the Sistine Chapel in 1939, 1963 and 2005, the decks appeared stacked in favor of the men who became Pius XII, Paul VI and Benedict XVI. Others have thrown curveballs. Francis named 109 of the 137 voting-age cardinals, but it would be wrong to conclude they will be looking for a carbon copy. Francis himself, the first pontiff from the Americas, popular among church progressives, emerged as the surprise choice of a conclave appointed almost entirely by the more traditionalist Benedict XVI and John Paul II. And while the list of cardinals minted by Francis includes liberals such as Timothy Radcliffe, a British theologian noted for his LGBTQ+ outreach, it also includes traditionalists such as Toronto's Cardinal Francis Leo and Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo of the Ivory Coast. Adding to the uncertainty: Francis, a former archbishop of Buenos Aires, has looked beyond the major cities and dioceses to fill his College of Cardinals. Members represent 22 countries that have never voted in a conclave. If one were held now, the Archdiocese of Milan, which fielded 2013's favorite, Cardinal Angelo Scola, would not be represented (at 83, Scola has aged out) — but Tonga, Iran and Morocco would. Dozens of cardinals are relatively new, and Francis has summoned the group to Rome so infrequently that many are unfamiliar to, as well as with, their peers. As a group, they might struggle to coalesce around a candidate able to secure the needed two-thirds majority, raising a higher-than-normal prospect of division — or a true surprise. That could mean a conclave of newer, less confident clerics who might be more susceptible to lobbying in favor of a powerful Vatican bureaucrat. Some traditionalists are worried the unseasoned, geographically distant electors will turn the conclave into a popularity contest. 'There's a great number of cardinals [from] outside,' Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller told The Washington Post. 'That is a problem that the entire city is feeling.' He said there 'could be [a] misunderstanding [over what] they are voting for,' he said — it's not the same as electing the head of an 'international organization [like] the United Nations.' 'From my understanding, the coming pope must be about orthodoxy. [He must be] absolutely obedient to the word of God.' The list includes several Italians. Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, is seen as peacemaker candidate who could be acceptable to both right and left, and the more liberal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Francis's emissary to Ukraine, Russia and their Orthodox churches. Other Vatican liberals mentioned are Mario Grech, the Maltese head of the synod of bishops, the top advisory body to the pope, and Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who, perhaps more than anyone would be seen as a continuation of Francis. 'Rather than whether he'll be more liberal or conservative, the first thing I'd ask is, where in the world will he be from?' said a senior Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the field candidly. 'European? I'd find that difficult. Latin American? That's already been done. African? Too early. Asian? Could be. But who? That's the problem. Tagle, maybe.' The official suggested the next pope could Italian. The country has provided 217 of the 266 popes, including 44 straight from 1523 to 1978, but none since the death that year of John Paul I. When reminded he had said a European would be unlikely, he said: 'Not European. An Italian.' Another Italian to watch: Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Relatively youthful at 59, he has inserted himself into the politics of the Gaza war; his office responded to President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from the enclave with a blistering rebuke. 'Pizzaballa is charismatic, interesting and very young,' said Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic theologian at Villanova University. 'Way too young. It would mean having a pope for 25 years. But this situation is so crazy that even the unthinkable can happen. A young pope. A pope from the United States. Or a dark horse that we don't even know yet who makes a huge impression at the conclave.' Other cardinals seen as papabile, or 'pope-able': Anders Arborelius, the first Swedish cardinal, and Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the archbishop of Kinshasa, is viewed as the strongest candidate from Africa. His willingness to stand up to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has won admiration, but his rejection of Francis's ruling allowing some blessings of same-sex couples has drawn liberal opposition. The French speaker's biggest hurdle, though, could be linguistic. 'He doesn't speak Italian,' the Vatican official said. 'It's a problem.' Church traditionalists have put faith in figures such as Cardinal Peter Erdo, the conservative Hungarian intellectual. Erdo has focused less than Francis on defending migrants' rights and pushed back vigorously against same-sex blessings. But he has been less confrontational with the pontiff than some of his peers. One hundred and thirty-seven cardinals are eligible to participate in what would be the largest conclave since the ceremony-laden ritual began in 1276. The number will decline as cardinals turn 80 or die. But for at least the next year, it will probably exceed the limit of 120 electors established in the 1970s by Pope Paul VI. Depending on whom you ask, surplus voters could require a fraught process to trim the conclave down — or may cast their ballots like the other 120 without further action. Some have called on Francis to clarify. Then there's the question of Giovanni Angelo Becciu. Convicted last year of financial crimes, the Italian cardinal was compelled by Francis last year to give up his conclave vote. But some scholars believe he could still take his seat. He declined an interview request. It's said the College of Cardinals will never elect an American, because superpowers wield global influence enough. But the Vatican's severe financial woes, stemming in part from steep declines in donations from churches in the United States, Europe and Australia, have led some to mention Cardinal John Francis Prevost, a respected Vatican official seen as the 'good manager' candidate. Any foreseeable conclave, Melloni said, will be less a struggle between conservatives and liberals than over the greatest threats to the church in a time of upheaval in the West. 'With Donald Trump in the White House, some will have this sense of an American revenge dominating the world and plunging it into chaos,' he said. 'Francis challenged Trump strongly, and the church will consider whether Trump, Elon Musk and similar figures in Europe are the real challenge the next pope must face, or whether they want a pope who sees relativism and doctrinal issues as the greatest threat, as Benedict XVI did.'
