Cardinals with D.C. ties are picking the next pope

The intrigue: The individual chosen to replace Francis will be the 267th pope. While some scholars say an American pope is unlikely, two Catholic cardinals from the Archdiocese of Washington are considered among the leading contenders: Robert Walter McElroy, the current archbishop of Washington, and archbishop emeritus, Wilton Daniel Gregory.

Zoom in: At least five of the 135 electors who will vote on a new pope have studied, lived, and/or worked in the District, home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington that claims 667,000 Catholic members, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, including Catholic University.

Those include:

Robert Walter McElroy, archbishop of Washington

• McElroy was appointed by Francis preceding his death earlier this year. A progressive leader and vocal ally of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ+ community, the Archbishop was installed at a critical time in Washington, and has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's policies.

Wilton Daniel Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington

• Gregory, the highest-ranking African American Catholic in U.S. history, became the first Black American to earn the rank of cardinal when he was appointed by Francis in 2020, and will be the first to vote for a pope.

Kevin Joseph Farrell, interim Vatican manager

• Farrel was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Washington in 1984, and held several positions at churches and charitable organizations around Washington. In 2002, he was appointed auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Washington, where he served for five years.

Blase Joseph Cupich, archbishop of Chicago

• Cupich received his doctorate at Catholic University in 1987. Additionally, he served as secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature in D.C. from 1981-1987.

Timothy Michael Dolan, archbishop of New York

• Another Catholic University alum, Dolan also served as secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature.

Axios Denver reporter Alayna Alvarez contributed to this story.