Over 12 years as pope, Francis tried to remake the U.S. Catholic hierarchy more in his image, elevating pastors who prioritized social justice and migration issues over culture warriors who were more favored by his more doctrinaire predecessors St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI. A new pope who is more conservative could reverse that effort.

DiNardo is one of 135 eligible cardinals who will make the selection behind closed doors. It will be his second conclave, after participating in the election of Pope Francis in 2013. The Conclave begins on May 7,

The 2025 papal conclave will be the largest in Catholic Church history, with 133 cardinals set to elect the successor to Pope Francis. Surpassing the previous record of 115 electors in 2013, this unprecedented gathering breaks past limits set by St.