First, those who embrace Pope Francis’ wide-ranging, modernising changes in the Catholic church. The reform-minded pope made it possible to advance a new church culture that respected the voice and ...

For the first time, the majority of cardinals to choose a pope are not from Europe, as Catholic demographics shift. But ...

Catholics are African, increasing the chances of a Pope from that continent. While the Church is losing influence in Europe ...

ANALYSIS: The late Pontiff famously encouraged Catholics to ‘make a mess’ to bring fresh energy and ideas to the Church. The shake-ups that ensued will now influence how his successor is chosen.

There is no rule that cardinals electing a new pope vote a certain way according to their nationality or region. But understanding their makeup in geographic terms can help explain some of their ...