Cardinals Begin Conclave to Elect Next Pope

The Vatican is preparing for the conclave to elect a new pope, with 135 cardinals from around the world set to begin voting amid heightened secrecy and tradition. While any baptized Catholic man is eligible, the frontrunners are generally cardinals, with a few Americans like Timothy Dolan and Joseph Tobin mentioned, though experts say the likelihood of an American pope is slim due to longstanding tradition and concerns about concentrated power. This conclave is notable for being the first where less than half the electors are European, reflecting the Church's global shift, yet analysts suggest the candidates' stances on polarizing issues within the Church will outweigh considerations of nationality. Despite speculation and high profiles, both Dolan and Tobin are considered longshots, partly because the Church has historically avoided choosing popes from major political powers like the U.S. The process is expected to be more challenging and 'theopolitical' than previous elections due to increased polarization both within the Church and in global society. As ever, only men are eligible, excluding women from consideration based on longstanding Catholic tradition.