The outcome of the succession battle could unfold in one of two scenarios

The outcome of the succession battle could unfold in one of two scenarios: either a conservative cardinal emerges victorious, or a David-versus-Goliath dynamic arises if the city-state opts for a progressive successor to Pope Francis.

During Donald Trump's presidency, the intersection of religion and policy became increasingly pronounced. He significantly influenced the Supreme Court's composition, steering it towards socially conservative ideologies, which led to restrictions on women's abortion rights.

In light of Trump's radical transformation of the post-World War II landscape, the identity of the next pope holds even greater significance. As the spiritual leader of approximately 1.4 billion adherents, the pope wields considerable global influence that could either align with or oppose Trump. Not long ago, popes held absolute power, delineating their own spheres of influence.

Vice President JD Vance was among the last individuals to meet with the living representative of God in the Roman Catholic Church, bringing with him the fervor of a recent convert. The nature of their meeting was of little consequence, as differing views could coexist alongside a shared appreciation for the Latin traditions of a High Mass, much like Trump's enthusiastic reception during his audience with Queen Elizabeth II. The Argentine-born pope has been critical of U.S. immigration policies, though he does not fit neatly into the liberal category.

Trump, along with other leaders, is expected to travel to Rome for the funeral. This visit will serve as a gesture of respect, but it will also function as an endorsement for a U.S. candidate in the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope.

Over the centuries, the conclave has adapted to minimize external interference, yet politics has consistently found a way to infiltrate the process.
Bloomberg