will now spend whatever necessary to make sure then appoint a trump clone.

It could be another moderate.

But we do not have any idea how much money is being spent to buy the papacy. The US presidency went for $275 million from just one billionaire. The papacy would lend "moral authority" to the money grab, and the religiously insane really do want the Republic of Gilead.

candidates are VERY homophobic and conservative. These are the kinds of people Leonard Leo and his ilk will push.

(BTW, I am ex-Irish-Catholic, so I know a bit about Catholicism and it's skullduggery and corruption).

and I have to say... even watching it as a non-christian... it is a really good movie! Also clues you into some of the types of politics that gets played during this timeframe. Especially appropriate for today's world, as we seem completely divided between Old/Cruel and New/Tolerance (as in the Right v Left here in America).

It is a great movie!

I do hope those thinking a conservative new pope are wrong, tho. I fear with the outsized influence of trump, that he might have done or said things to try to tilt it in that direction, as per the Dominionists' theocracy desires.

Of course, his crassness and refusal to follow the rules and suggestions at the funeral... as well as falling asleep and snoring (while Melania did the same next to him!), may influence cardinals in the opposite direction.

I hope they pull together on their Christs' words and seek to bring people together, expanding the inclusiveness of the church. And it'd be really nice if some set of men somewhere decided that women ARE capable and acceptable, since Mary Magdalene DID finance Christ's missionary work! I loved how that nun came in and stated that "I know we sisters are suppose to be invisible, but God did see fit to give us eyes and ears"... and then said her piece!

My hubby just sat down to watch it in the front room, I'll probably join him to watch the last section of it again.. it's just TOO good! (LOL)

Of the 252 cardinals, of whom 136 are under 80 -- and who will vote in the conclave -- 108 (80%) of the potential electors were appointed as cardinals by Francis. The vote on the next pope takes a 2/3 vote.

The holy father said the Church will go on without him, but imo, it will also go on with the best of his heart.

One of my many favorite quotes by Francis:
“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven.”