In the network of the conclave: Social connections and the making of a pope

We apply network analysis to a papal election. From public Vatican directories and episcopal consecration records we build a multiplex network of the College of Cardinals, linking cardinals through shared membership in Vatican bodies and through consecration ties.

On this network we measure three mechanisms that shape a conclave: status, mediation power and coalition building. Cardinal Robert F. Prevost — largely overlooked by commentators, bookmakers and AI models — held one of the strongest structural positions before the 8 May 2025 election that made him Pope Leo XIV.