Gibson, of Fordham, said another factor that might throw off the traditional resistance to an American pope is the election of President Donald Trump. Some cardinals might want a pope from the United States to confront Trump on issues such as immigration and aid for the poor.

Odds are on a short conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor, with 267th pope likely to be picked by Thursday or Friday

A papal conclave is set to begin in Vatican City starting May 7, during which cardinals from around the world will elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church. The tradition occurs any time a pope dies or resigns from the office. Pope Francis died April 21, the day after Easter.