**Cardinal Politics: A Race for Unity Amidst Divisions in the Vatican**

In the wake of Pope Francis's passing, divisive strategies emerge among Cardinals balancing tradition and inclusivity as they gear up for a crucial papal conclave.

Even before Pope Francis was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony on Saturday, the momentum was already building among conservative Cardinals who viewed his tenure as a misstep that jeopardized the church’s traditions. With a catchy phrase — “unity” — they hope to shape the electoral conclave for the new pope. While this slogan may seem uncontroversial, many of Francis’s ardent supporters perceive it as a veiled attempt to reverse the inclusive reforms he championed.

Preparations for the upcoming conclave, set to convene in early May, have begun amidst discussions over significant doctrinal questions. Key topics include whether the new pontiff should pursue Francis’s agenda of potentially ordaining women as deacons, allowing married priests, and offering communion to divorced Catholics.

Since the funeral, Cardinals have engaged in daily strategy sessions. Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller of Germany, a prominent conservative voice, shared with reporters that he is working tirelessly to advocate for a unified approach in the church. The broader implications of the electoral process raise questions about the future direction of the Catholic Church as it grapples with balancing tradition and modernity.