However, if it quickly becomes obvious that neither can win, votes are likely to shift to other contenders, with the electors possibly coalescing around geography, doctrinal affinity or common languages.
Among other potential candidates are France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Re, who is 91 and cannot take part in the conclave, suggested the cardinals should look for a pope who respected the Church’s diversity.
“Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity,” he said in his sermon.
