Wealthy conservative Catholics from the United States have arrived in Rome, with some pledging substantial financial support if the conclave produces "the right pope".
Around 80 members of the American Papal Foundation, many of whom are associated with Donald Trump and movements like Project 2025, are in Rome as part of the annual America Week pilgrimage, which this year coincides with the pre-conclave period.
The foundation is led by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who has said Trump "takes his Christian faith seriously", as reported by Mail Online.
During a private event, some members voiced hopes that their presence and generosity could influence the outcome.
One donor reportedly said: "This room could raise a billion to help the church, so long as we have the right pope."
Former president Donald Trump, who attended Pope Francis' funeral alongside the first lady, attracted criticism last week after joking, "I'd like to be pope," and later posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed in papal robes.
The New York State Catholic Conference responded: "There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President... Do not mock us."
The conclave begins Wednesday, 7th May in the Sistine Chapel, where 133 cardinals under age 80 will vote behind closed doors.