Next Pope Conclave Battle: ‘Habemus Drama’ Roger Stone Says

Pope Francis Dies at 88, The Unknown Podcast Breaks Down the Race for St. Peter’s Successor in Rome.

By Richard Luthmann with Michael Volpe

On the latest episode of The Unknown Podcast, journalists Richard Luthmann and Michael Volpe tackled the monumental news: Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday at age 88.

The pontiff’s passing sets the stage for a conclave that could reshape the future of the Catholic Church.

The Death of a Pope and the Battle Lines Ahead

Luthmann, a devout Catholic and Knight of Columbus, offered a respectful but critical view of Francis.

“Francis built bridges to the poor and marginalized, but rocked traditionalists,” he said. Volpe added, “Francis framed his open borders stance as compassion, but it leaned very political.”

Their conversation revealed the deep divides Francis leaves behind. Traditional Catholics, especially in America, often felt alienated.

“He strengthened Catholicism at the edges—South America, Africa—but didn’t shore up traditional strongholds,” Luthmann explained.

Volpe pressed Luthmann on the controversies, including Francis’ outreach to LGBTQ groups.

“He liberalized same-sex blessings. That had never been allowed before,” Luthmann said.

But both agreed Francis stayed firmly pro-life.

The discussion turned bittersweet. Volpe noted that, like John Paul II, Francis’ legacy is mixed.

“John Paul helped defeat Communism, but let the molestation scandal fester,” Volpe said.

Luthmann stressed the spiritual importance: “Pope Saint John Paul II’s role in fighting Communism was recognized as a miracle in his canonization.”

Now, the College of Cardinals, 80 percent of whom Francis appointed, must choose the next Pope.

As Luthmann put it, “It’s an intriguing time in the Church.”

Roger Stone’s Masterclass: The Next Pope Might Need a Miracle

Luthmann and Volpe didn’t stop at mourning. They leaned heavily on the sharp analysis of Roger Stone, a Great American and Roman Catholic whose Sicilian mother gave him deep roots in the Church (and a great recipe for Sunday gravy).

Stone’s predictions, posted on Stone Cold Truth, set the table for a fierce conclave.

Stone painted a grim picture for conservatives.

“Eighty percent of voters are Francis appointees. A staunch Anti-Communist in the mold of John Paul II may require a miracle,” Stone wrote.

Still, Stone, a master political strategist, saw glimmers of hope. His favorite conservatives?

• Cardinal Péter Erdő, a Hungarian canon lawyer known for doctrinal fidelity and quiet strength.

• Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, a fierce opponent of liberal reforms from Congo.

• Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the skilled diplomat from Jerusalem.

Stone praised Erdő for offering “continuity with orthodoxy without overt political baggage.”

Ambongo can be compared to Clarence Thomas, a black conservative fighting Marxism and radical Islam on the front lines.

Pizzaballa earned respect for diplomacy, but Stone warned he must show “the ideological firepower necessary to restore the Church’s moral clarity.”

Stone’s bottom line: don’t expect a radical shift. But miracles can happen—especially in Rome.

Luthmann’s Picks and Volpe’s Reality Check

On The Unknown Podcast, Luthmann made clear he leans traditionalist. He favors a Pope who defends the faith vigorously, not one who waters it down.

“I’m very interested in the traditionalists,” Luthmann said.

Luthmann named Erdő, Ambongo, and Pizzaballa as his top prospects. He dismissed the idea of an American Pope, despite Volpe’s question about Cardinal Raymond Burke.

“You’d have an African Pope before an American Pope,” Luthmann quipped. “The Italians would never go for that.”

Volpe brought a historical perspective, noting that Pope John Paul II’s youth at the time of his election helped him dominate for decades.

Luthmann agreed a younger candidate would be ideal, suggesting someone in their 60s could lead the Church into a new era.

The two journalists also debated how far Francis really shifted the Church.

Luthmann insisted Francis’ moves on immigration and LGBTQ issues were unprecedented and historic liberalizations, while Volpe reminded listeners that Francis stayed orthodox on abortion.

Their discussion closed on a cautious but hopeful note.

“It’s a rare moment. It only happens so often. The funeral’s this week. Then comes the conclave,” Luthmann said.

Volpe added, “We’ll all be on pins and needles to see if any of Roger Stone’s picks become Pope.”