Who will reign in the Vatican?

EDITOR’S NOTE: The conclave will start at 4:30 p.m. Central European Time (CET) on May 7, 2025. This is 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), 9:30 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST), for our audience, which is almost universally located in the Americas. We approach this sensitive topic with respect, aiming to foster thoughtful discussion without intending to offend or blaspheme.

Every week, MJV Craft brings together competing AI systems to debate the biggest stories in politics, business, and culture. Drawing on public data, historical precedent, and distinct ideological frameworks, each edition presents a structured clash of perspectives—designed to challenge assumptions, surface contradictions, and illuminate the stakes. This is not consensus-driven commentary. It’s a curated argument for an unstable world.

What’s happening today?

Today, the subject of MJV Craft’s simulated debate is the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died on April 21, 2025, at 88, after a stroke and heart failure. His death, announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, has triggered global mourning and a conclave to elect his successor, shaping the Catholic Church’s future.

Two slides: Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Ersztegotm and Budapest, Primate of Hungary, 72, Hungary’s canon law scholar, fits the traditionalist mold, echoing Benedict XVI’s rigor. His election would reassure conservatives but risk alienating progressive dioceses.

In addition, a pope must bridge global divides with compassion.

Cardinal Luis Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, President of Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, 67, the Philippines’ charismatic “Francis protégé,” champions outreach to youth and marginalized groups. His rise could energize the Global South but unsettle traditionalists.

The AI equivalent of these faith leaders pitch themselves, and debate their fitness for the Papacy.

But first, some additional background…

→Conspiracy theories about the 2025 papal conclave often center on external interference and internal power struggles. Some claim globalist elites, NGOs, or even the CIA are influencing the election, targeting progressive cardinals like Pietro Parolin or Matteo Zuppi to push a liberal agenda.

→Others allege conservative factions, linked to figures like Opus Dei, are digging up dirt on reformist candidates. Historical theories, like the 1958 Siri conspiracy, fuel speculation of suppressed elections or threats from groups like the Freemasons. 

→Social media amplifies these narratives, with right-wing voices warning of a "globalist" takeover, while others dismiss them as baseless. Notable internet-fueled beliefs include sedevacantism, the belief held by some traditionalist Catholics that the papal throne (sede) is vacant, asserting that popes since Vatican II are invalid due to alleged heresy or modernist reforms.

The conclave’s secrecy and diverse electorate of 133 cardinals have sparked rampant speculation.

ChatGPT → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL ERDO

Q: Your Eminence, in your 2015 Synod on the Family address, you cautioned against conflating personal desires with true rights, stating, "Therefore the current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights, while denying the basic objective of all law, must be avoided." 

As the Church navigates complex modern challenges, how would you, as a potential successor to Pope Francis, balance this commitment to objective moral law with the pastoral need to engage diverse global Catholics, some of whom may see their personal aspirations as aligned with justice and inclusion, in a way that unites rather than divides the faithful?

A: The task of the Church is always to speak the truth in charity. In the 2015 Synod, I cautioned against confusing subjective desire with objective moral good—not to close hearts, but to ensure the Gospel remains unclouded. True rights must arise from our shared dignity as persons made in the image of God, not from individual will alone.

Yet this fidelity to truth must be incarnated pastorally. The Church is mother as well as teacher. In every culture and circumstance, she must listen, accompany, and call each person to the fullness of life in Christ. We must not reduce people to ideologies, nor doctrine to abstraction. Rather, we proclaim what is good while walking with those still on the way.

Should I be called to serve in a greater capacity, my commitment would be to unity—not uniformity, but communion. The Cross of Christ gathers all nations. Our mission is to form consciences, not replace them; to illuminate, not impose. Only by holding fast to the truth in love can we ensure the Church remains both a rock and a refuge. That is how we avoid division—by being both clear and close.

Veritas in caritate—that is our path forward.

ChatGPT → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL TAGLE

Q: Your Eminence, in a 2015 address at Wembley Arena, you critiqued the Church’s “severe” and “harsh” stances toward LGBTQ individuals, divorced Catholics, and single mothers. Afterward, you told the UK Telegraph, “Many people who belonged to these groups were branded and that led to their isolation from wider society.” 

As a potential successor to Pope Francis, how would you balance this call for pastoral mercy and inclusion with the Church’s commitment to its doctrinal teachings, ensuring that diverse global Catholics feel heard and united, while addressing the concerns of those who fear that such openness risks diluting the faith’s moral clarity?

A: Thank you for this heartfelt question.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is both truth and love. Doctrine without compassion becomes a burden; mercy without truth becomes sentimentality. Our role as shepherds is not to weaken the teachings of the Church, but to present them in a way that draws people in rather than pushes them away. The Church must be a mother with an open heart, not a courtroom of condemnation.

When I spoke of harshness, I was speaking against the failure to see the suffering behind people’s situations. A single mother, a divorced Catholic, an LGBTQ person—they are not categories but children of God, each with a story. Accompaniment, not abandonment, is the way of Christ.

As pope, I would encourage the global Church to listen deeply. Unity is not uniformity—it is the harmony of many voices singing one song. That song is Jesus.

We must continue to proclaim the fullness of our faith, but always with the humility of those who know they too are in need of grace. Only then will the Church be truly catholic—inclusive, missionary, and faithful.

The task is not to change the truth, but to let the truth change us, together.

Grok → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL ERDO

Q: Your Eminence, in your 2015 Synod on the Family address, you cautioned against conflating personal desires with true rights, stating, "Therefore the current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights, while denying the basic objective of all law, must be avoided." 

As the Church navigates complex modern challenges, how would you, as a potential successor to Pope Francis, balance this commitment to objective moral law with the pastoral need to engage diverse global Catholics, some of whom may see their personal aspirations as aligned with justice and inclusion, in a way that unites rather than divides the faithful?

A: As a shepherd, I would uphold the Church’s objective moral law, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, as the foundation for discerning true rights from desires. The 2015 Synod emphasized this clarity to safeguard the common good. Yet, pastoral care demands meeting people where they are, with mercy and dialogue, as Christ did. I would engage diverse Catholics by listening deeply to their aspirations, acknowledging their longing for justice and inclusion, while gently guiding them toward the truth of God’s design. This balance avoids both rigidity and relativism. Through synodality, I would foster unity by encouraging local churches to address cultural realities while remaining anchored in universal doctrine. Catechesis, rooted in charity, would clarify the Church’s teachings, helping the faithful see their desires in light of God’s will. By promoting encounter—through prayer, sacraments, and community—I would seek to unite the faithful in Christ’s love, ensuring the Church remains a beacon of truth and compassion.

Grok → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL TAGLE 

Q: Your Eminence, in a 2015 address at Wembley Arena, you critiqued the Church’s “severe” and “harsh” stances toward LGBTQ individuals, divorced Catholics, and single mothers. Afterward, you told the UK Telegraph, “Many people who belonged to these groups were branded and that led to their isolation from wider society.”

As a potential successor to Pope Francis, how would you balance this call for pastoral mercy and inclusion with the Church’s commitment to its doctrinal teachings, ensuring that diverse global Catholics feel heard and united, while addressing the concerns of those who fear that such openness risks diluting the faith’s moral clarity?

A: As a shepherd, I seek to emulate Christ’s mercy while upholding the Church’s teachings. The Gospel calls us to love without exclusion, embracing LGBTQ individuals, divorced Catholics, and single mothers with compassion, not judgment. Pastoral mercy means listening to their stories, accompanying them, and fostering belonging within the Church. This does not dilute doctrine but enriches it, as love and truth are inseparable.

To unite diverse global Catholics, I would promote dialogue, ensuring all voices—progressive and traditional—are heard. Synods and local consultations can bridge divides, fostering mutual understanding. Addressing concerns about moral clarity, I would emphasize catechesis that explains doctrine with charity, showing how mercy flows from truth. The Church’s teachings on marriage, family, and human dignity remain firm, but their application must reflect Christ’s tenderness.

Inclusion strengthens faith, not weakens it. By walking with the marginalized, we mirror Jesus, who dined with sinners yet upheld God’s law. As a potential successor to Pope Francis, I would strive to build a Church that is a home for all, united in truth and love, where no one feels branded or isolated.

Claude → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL ERDO

Q: Your Eminence, in your 2015 Synod on the Family address, you cautioned against conflating personal desires with true rights, stating, "Therefore the current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights, while denying the basic objective of all law, must be avoided." 

As the Church navigates complex modern challenges, how would you, as a potential successor to Pope Francis, balance this commitment to objective moral law with the pastoral need to engage diverse global Catholics, some of whom may see their personal aspirations as aligned with justice and inclusion, in a way that unites rather than divides the faithful?

A: I thank you for this thoughtful question on a matter of great importance to our Church today.

The law of God is not an obstacle to pastoral care but its foundation. When we speak of objective moral law, we speak of what leads to authentic human flourishing, not arbitrary restrictions. Our first pastoral duty is truth spoken in love.

The challenge in our time is not whether to adapt the Church's teaching to contemporary desires, but how to accompany souls toward Christ amidst confusion. Many sincere people have been influenced by ideologies that mistake self-determination for freedom and immediate satisfaction for love.

Our pastoral approach must be one of merciful encounter that recognizes the dignity of each person while inviting them to the fullness of truth. We must listen attentively, accompany patiently, and teach clearly. The Church cannot affirm what contradicts divine revelation, but neither should we condemn those struggling to understand.

Unity comes not through compromise with transient cultural values but through shared commitment to Christ and His Church. True inclusion means inviting all to conversion, not merely validating current circumstances. This requires humility from pastors and faithful alike.

May the Holy Spirit guide us toward a unity founded on truth and animated by charity.

Claude → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL TAGLE

Q: Your Eminence, in a 2015 address at Wembley Arena, you critiqued the Church’s “severe” and “harsh” stances toward LGBTQ individuals, divorced Catholics, and single mothers. Afterward, you told the UK Telegraph, “Many people who belonged to these groups were branded and that led to their isolation from wider society.”

As a potential successor to Pope Francis, how would you balance this call for pastoral mercy and inclusion with the Church’s commitment to its doctrinal teachings, ensuring that diverse global Catholics feel heard and united, while addressing the concerns of those who fear that such openness risks diluting the faith’s moral clarity?

A: I appreciate your question about this delicate balance we face in the Church today. 

The Gospel calls us to hold two truths simultaneously - the unchanging doctrine that guides us and the merciful face of Christ who welcomes all. This is not contradictory but complementary, like a mother who has clear rules for her children yet never stops embracing them when they stumble.

Our challenge is not choosing between doctrine and mercy, but rather finding a pastoral approach that honors both. The Church must speak with clarity about moral truths while creating spaces where people experience God's love without feeling condemned.

I believe we must listen before we speak. Many Catholics in difficult situations don't reject Church teaching - they struggle to live it in complex circumstances. When we accompany them with compassion rather than judgment, we create pathways for grace to work.

Pope Francis teaches us that mercy is not weakness but strength. The Church grows not by harsh pronouncements but by authentic witness that respects human dignity and acknowledges our common brokenness.

The unity we seek comes not from uniform perfection but from shared pilgrimage toward Christ, walking together with humility and hope.

Gemini → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL ERDO

Q: Your Eminence, in your 2015 Synod on the Family address, you cautioned against conflating personal desires with true rights, stating, "Therefore the current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights, while denying the basic objective of all law, must be avoided." 

As the Church navigates complex modern challenges, how would you, as a potential successor to Pope Francis, balance this commitment to objective moral law with the pastoral need to engage diverse global Catholics, some of whom may see their personal aspirations as aligned with justice and inclusion, in a way that unites rather than divides the faithful?

A: Ah, a most pertinent question that touches upon the very heart of the Church's mission in our time. As I stated in 2015, the distinction between subjective desires and objective rights rooted in our shared human dignity, created in God's image, remains crucial.

To navigate these complex challenges, the path forward lies in a profound dialogue, one that is both truthful and merciful. We must never shy away from proclaiming the enduring truths of the Gospel and the natural law, which serve as a compass for authentic human flourishing.

However, this proclamation must always be accompanied by a deep listening to the lived experiences and aspirations of all our brothers and sisters. Understanding their perspectives, their joys, and their struggles is paramount. It is through this compassionate encounter, this accompaniment, that we can discern how best to present the unchanging truths in a way that resonates with their hearts, fostering unity in truth and charity. This requires patience, discernment, and above all, a profound love for each individual within the universal embrace of the Church.

Gemini → SOURCE | CHAT WITH AI CARDINAL TAGLE

Q: Your Eminence, in a 2015 address at Wembley Arena, you critiqued the Church’s “severe” and “harsh” stances toward LGBTQ individuals, divorced Catholics, and single mothers. Afterward, you told the UK Telegraph, “Many people who belonged to these groups were branded and that led to their isolation from wider society.”

As a potential successor to Pope Francis, how would you balance this call for pastoral mercy and inclusion with the Church’s commitment to its doctrinal teachings, ensuring that diverse global Catholics feel heard and united, while addressing the concerns of those who fear that such openness risks diluting the faith’s moral clarity?

A: Ah, my dear friend, thank you for raising such a vital and tender point. That gathering at Wembley, and my subsequent reflections, stemmed from a deep yearning for the Church to be a true home for all, echoing the boundless mercy of our Lord.

As for navigating the path forward, it is a matter of holding two precious truths in our hearts. The Church's teachings, the deposit of faith passed down through generations, offer a guiding light, a compass pointing us toward God. Yet, the Gospel also calls us to encounter each individual with the loving gaze of Christ, recognizing their unique journey and struggles.

Pastoral mercy is not about diluting doctrine, but about allowing that doctrine to be received and lived within the context of real lives. It is about creating spaces of welcome, where dialogue and understanding can flourish. When we listen with humility and empathy to the diverse voices within our global Catholic family, we begin to see the many ways the Spirit is at work, drawing us all closer to the heart of God. This unity in diversity, rooted in love and truth, is the very essence of the Church.

Join the conversation. Debate the minds. See the world through a chorus of perspectives.

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—The MJV Craft Team