The succession How rich 'Maga Catholics' in US could sway the decision

Once the papal conclave starts, the cardinals choosing Pope Francis's successor will be strictly shut off from the world until a new pope is named.

- J Oliver Conroy

But the days before the conclave begins on 7 May will see competing factions of Catholics, including many laypeople, campaigning in the Vatican and the US - none with more urgency than those discontented with Francis's liberal reign.

American Catholics will fight to play a central role. Soon after Francis's death, the US counter-revolution mobilised, Vatican watchers said. No one calls it "lobbying" - that would be untoward, and it's "subtler than what you see in DC", said Philip Lawler, a conservative Catholic writer and author of a book critical of Francis. "But representatives of all points of view, from across the spectrum, will be doing their best to ensure that the cardinals understand their concerns."

For conservative, traditionalist or self-described "orthodox" Catholics, fresh from 12 years under Francis, this interregnum is a chance to reset a church that they believe has drifted too far left. To some, that means pushing polarising Catholic teachings on sexuality, marriage and abortion. Others, many aligned with the priorities of Donald Trump, would go further and seek a church that is explicitly rightwing - or at least less hostile to Maga stances on immigration, social welfare and the environment.