The Real Conclave: Gathering
The Cardinals Gather in a Church Divided
Note: The following is a work of fiction based on the reality of the conclave process.
The death of Pope Francis has sent shockwaves through the Catholic world. His passing marks not only the end of a deeply divisive papacy but also the beginning of a new battle—one that will determine the future of the Church for decades to come.
As the Vatican prepares for the conclave, Rome becomes the center of global attention. Journalists descend upon St. Peter’s Square, pilgrims flood into the city, and world leaders send their condolences. But behind the solemn tributes and the carefully scripted public statements, another drama is unfolding.
The cardinals are arriving, and with them come competing visions for the Catholic Church’s future.
The Factions Begin to Form
There is no mistaking the tension in the air as prelates from across the world step off planes and make their way through the cobbled streets of Rome. Many of them have known each other for years—some as allies, others as bitter opponents. While they are bound together by the solemn responsibility of electing the next pope, they are far from united in their vision of what the Church should be.
From the moment the late pope’s condition deteriorated, the political maneuvering began. Now, as the cardinals gather in their various residences, the battle lines become clear.
The Progressive Bloc – Securing Francis’ Legacy
For the progressives, this conclave is about one thing: ensuring that Pope Francis’ revolution continues. These cardinals, many of whom were personally appointed by Francis, believe that the Church must adapt to modernity. They argue that doctrine must be made more “pastoral,” that the Church should become more inclusive and that decentralization of power—giving bishops’ conferences greater autonomy—should continue.
Many within this faction support further liberalization of Church teaching on issues such as same-sex unions, the ordination of women to the diaconate, and allowing greater flexibility on priestly celibacy.
At the head of this faction are figures like Cardinal Matteo Zuppi of Italy, a Francis loyalist with strong ties to progressive movements in Europe, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who is seen as the Vatican’s bridge to the developing world but remains closely tied to the agenda of globalization.
These men and their allies have a simple strategy: find a candidate who will not only protect Francis’ reforms but deepen them.
The Conservative Bloc – Restoring Doctrinal Clarity
The conservative cardinals are gathering with a sense of urgency and defiance. For years, they have watched as Pope Francis steered the Church toward what they see as ambiguity, modernism, and dangerous theological compromises. They believe that Francis’ successors will either correct his errors or cement them, leading the Church further away from its foundations.
Many in this faction believe that the Francis era has been a time of deliberate weakening of Catholic tradition. His suppression of the Traditional Latin Mass, his tolerance of doctrinal disobedience in places like Germany, and his diplomatic betrayal of Chinese Catholics have left many questioning how much damage has already been done.
Among the leading figures in this faction is Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea, an African prelate known for his deep spirituality and staunch commitment to Catholic orthodoxy. Others include Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary, a brilliant canon lawyer who has been a vocal critic of progressive innovations, and Cardinal Raymond Burke of the United States, long considered one of the most vocal opponents of the Francis papacy.
The conservatives know they are outnumbered—Francis appointed the vast majority of the voting cardinals. But they also know that a weak progressive candidate could fracture the liberal bloc, giving them a slim chance at electing a pope who will restore doctrinal discipline and undo the excesses of Francis’ tenure.
The Centrist Cardinals – The Decisive Swing Votes
Between these two warring factions lies the crucial centrist bloc. Many of these cardinals have no clear ideological commitment to either camp. Some were appointed by Francis but remain wary of his radical reforms. Others lean conservative but are reluctant to support a full-scale reversal of the past decade.
This group includes figures like Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, who has been a key player in Church diplomacy but remains enigmatic about his true loyalties. Another possible swing vote is Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria, a moderate with close ties to both Benedict XVI and Francis.
For the conservatives, winning over the centrists is the only path to victory. If they can convince just a few undecided cardinals that the Church must return to a firm theological foundation, they may have a chance.
The Power Struggles Behind the Scenes
Publicly, the cardinals will insist that this conclave is a solemn, prayerful event. Privately, however, the political maneuvering is already underway.
In the days leading up to the conclave, private meetings take place in discreet locations across Rome. High-ranking cardinals meet behind closed doors in the Vatican’s residences, in the apartments of trusted allies, and in the quiet corners of ancient churches. These discussions are not merely spiritual—they are political calculations.
Inside the Vatican walls, whispers carry power. Who has the votes? Who is willing to compromise? Who will be eliminated in the early ballots, and who will remain standing in the final rounds?
The European bishops, particularly those from Germany, France, and Belgium, seek to maintain the liberalization of Church doctrine. They are some of Francis’ most fervent supporters, and they see this conclave as a moment of no return. If a conservative pope is elected, their entire project of modernization will be in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, the African cardinals have quietly grown in influence. Unlike their European counterparts, they remain firm in defending Catholic moral teaching and reject Western ideological pressures. Many Africans have looked with deep concern at the German Synodal Path and the Vatican’s ambiguous stance on issues like same-sex blessings. They are determined to hold the line against further doctrinal erosion.
The Latin American and Asian cardinals are more divided. Many share Francis’ vision, but there is also growing discomfort with the chaos that his leadership created. Some feel that the Church has become too politicized, drifting away from its spiritual mission.
All of these tensions will play out within the secretive confines of the Sistine Chapel.
The External Forces Trying to Influence the Conclave
The battle for the papacy is not merely fought within the Vatican. Powerful forces outside the Church also seek to shape the outcome of this election.
The mainstream media, globalist institutions, and progressive political forces are already pushing for a pope who will continue Francis’ agenda. Articles and editorials appear in major newspapers insisting that the Church must not retreat into “rigidity” or “traditionalism.” Secular leaders—who ordinarily show little concern for Catholic teaching—suddenly express their “hope” that the new pope will continue the path of inclusivity and openness.
Liberal Catholic organizations, particularly in Germany and North America, are lobbying for a candidate who will accelerate change—perhaps even pave the way for female deacons and expanded roles for laity in Church governance.
At the same time, faithful Catholics across the world are praying for a return to tradition. Many recognize that this conclave could be the last chance to correct the errors of the Francis era before they become entrenched. Traditionalist movements are mobilizing, calling on the College of Cardinals to remember their duty—to defend the faith, not surrender it to secular pressures.
The world is watching.
Inside the Vatican, the cardinals prepare for their sacred duty.
The conclave is near, and the battle for the future of the Catholic Church has begun.