Dr. Kobby Barda -- Pope Francis' health is causing growing concern, and the succession battles have already begun openly among Vatican circles. 

The scenario of electing a new pope is no longer a distant speculation, but a process taking place in the background, with ideological divisions within the Catholic Church at its center. 

In this atmosphere, American Cardinal Raymond Burke, one of the prominent leaders of the conservative opposition, is receiving special attention. According to a report by the German BILD, the White House is pushing Burke's candidacy to lead the Catholic Church, a move that could fundamentally change the face of the Vatican.

If elected, Burke would become the first American pope in history.

Burke is considered one of the harshest critics of the current Pope Francis, and he leads the ultra-conservative current in the church. Since being removed from his post as head of the Vatican's highest court, he has been an uncompromising voice against papal reforms, which he sees as endangering the religious foundations of the church. He is known for his staunch opposition to immigrants and liberal reforms such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and easing the sacraments for the divorced.

Donald Trump, who has forged strong alliances with the Christian right in the US since taking office, sees the struggle within the Vatican as an integral part of the broader culture war he is waging. 

Trump has attacked Pope Francis in the past, mainly for his pro-immigrant stances and his opposition to nationalism. 

Now, according to BILD reports, the Trump administration is continuing to cultivate support for Barak out of a broader interest in influencing the ideological direction of the Catholic Church. Despite the apparent support from Washington and Burke's popularity among conservatives, his chances of being elected are not high. 

Since the beginning of Francis's term, the number of progressive cardinals in the Vatican has increased, and they now constitute a majority in the conclave, the body that elects the next pope. Most cardinals tend to choose a unifying candidate rather than a polarizing figure like Burke, whose election could lead to a deep rift within the church. When a pope dies or resigns, the process of choosing his successor is conducted according to The rules are clear. 

Meanwhile, the struggle behind the scenes continues. While Burke and his conservative supporters seek to lead a sharp change of direction in the Vatican, Francis’ camp is trying to ensure that his reforms continue after his term. 

In the midst of this struggle, the figure of Trump – who for years has turned religion and nationalism into powerful political tools – could turn the religious arena into a new stage of confrontation, in which not only the cardinals determine the direction of the church, but also international political forces.