Who might be the next pope? The question is famously difficult to answer. But we can be reasonably confident that if the successful contender comes from the traditionalist camp – as opposed to the reformists – then he is likely to be Hungary’s most senior bishop, Péter Erdő.

If you follow Hungarian politics then you will know of Erdő – a highly cultured man, respected for his broad learning well beyond his specialism in church law. His expertise has made him a valued consultant to Vatican bodies, while his sermons and interviews abound with historical and literary references. Yet he’s also a remote figure, lacking the common touch that defined Francis’s papacy; ascetic-looking, he’s rarely pictured smiling.

His links to his country’s far-right Fidesz government should, however, warn us about the risks of his possible election.

Erdő has been archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and a cardinal since 2003. He first developed an international profile by leading the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, the representative body for Europe’s Catholic bishops. Latterly, he’s gained a stronger standing outside Europe, especially among traditionally minded African and American bishops. This builds on his role as rapporteur for the global Synod on the Family (2014-15), convoked by Pope Francis to reflect on the church’s pastoral teaching in the light of changing social conditions.

During the synod he resisted moves towards a more inclusive approach to LGBTQ and divorced Catholics: “The current tendency to pass off those things which are simply desires, often selfish ones, as true and proper rights … must be avoided,” he told delegates in a keynote speech.

Vatican-watchers differ on the viability of his candidacy. Conservatives certainly........

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