Behind-the-Scenes of Pope Elections: An Insight into Dinner Parties, Discussions, and Lobbying Efforts.

As Rome blooms with jasmine and is thronged by tourists, the Vatican is enveloped in a more muted yet significant hustle and bustle—cardinals have congregated to deliberate on the critical task of selecting a successor to Pope Francis. In anticipation of the conclave scheduled for May 7, 2025, strategic discussions and informal gatherings are taking place among the cardinal-electors, who are quietly assessing their options for the next leader of the Catholic Church.

This period mirrors a similar scenario in March 2013, when pro-reform cardinals rallied behind the candidacy of Argentine Jesuit Jorge Mario Bergoglio, ultimately electing him as Pope Francis on the fifth ballot. Now, as Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the current archbishop of Westminster, takes on his role, he represents a new style of leadership compared to his predecessor, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor.

Nichols, who has been described as more reserved and introspective than his predecessor, acknowledges the importance of these gatherings. During informal meals featuring Rome’s culinary highlights, such as carbonara, Nichols and his fellow cardinals engage in discussions about the future direction of the Catholic Church and the qualities desired in its next pope. These discussions are part of the broader mourning period for Pope Francis, who served for twelve years and significantly shaped the papacy.

The cardinal-electors convene daily in a Vatican auditorium to discuss pressing issues facing the Church and the necessary attributes for a potential pope. While these meetings are open to all cardinals, the conclave will be exclusive to those under 80 years of age. In the interim, cardinals have been seen strolling the streets of Rome, maintaining a low profile amidst the public’s curiosity.

From Nichols’ perspective, a clearer vision of the future pope is emerging. He notes a growing consensus among cardinals looking back at Francis’ papacy and contemplating the way forward. There is a recognition of the necessity for a leader who embodies both the depth of faith and an openness to the diverse realities of the Church today.

Nichols, who joined the College of Cardinals in 2014, has experienced the evolving dynamics within the Church under Francis, who expanded the College to include cardinals from countries such as Tonga and Mongolia. This inclusiveness reflects a church that acknowledges its global context rather than relying solely on traditional European centers.

Despite the backdrop of possible divisions, Nichols emphasizes the importance of attentive listening among the cardinals as they prepare for the conclave. This period of reflection and discussion is crucial, as cardinals wrestle with the legacy of Francis while considering how best to build on it.

The dynamics at play within the conclave are complex. Historical precedents have shown that the election process can be influenced by interpersonal relationships and informal lobbying. In the 2013 conclave, similar informal gatherings helped to elevate Bergoglio’s candidacy when divisions among Italian cardinals complicated the election process. As the days progress toward the conclave, the cardinal-electors aim to cultivate relationships and develop a consensus, seeking a leader capable of navigating the challenges of contemporary Catholicism.

As Nichols prepares for his role in the upcoming conclave, he emphasizes the need to approach the event with an open mind, ready to engage in dialogue and consider different perspectives on who should lead the Church into its next chapter. The outcome of this conclave has the potential to significantly impact the future direction of the Catholic Church as it continues to grapple with issues of faith, inclusion, and social justice.