2025 Papal Conclave: conservative forces in the U.S. and Europe push for a shift in Vatican’s church policy

On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died in the Vatican. According to the established rule, the papal conclave – a meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect a successor – should begin between May 6 and 12.

Among the cardinals who will have the right to vote, two main groups have formed: supporters of traditionalism (mostly appointees of John Paul II and Benedict XVI) and a more liberal group of clergy (Francis’ protégés).

The vast majority of voters – 149 out of 252 cardinals – were appointed by Francis himself, which further shifted the balance toward a liberal vision of the church’s development.