During this brief few years of Francis at the helm, several older Cardinals have passed the age of eligibility for voting at the conclave, and Francis has elevated 17 new Cardinals, all of whom are holders of extremely liberal views. Only the most liberal bishops were given the red hat under Francis. This stacks the conclave even more in the direction that led to his own election. Therefore if he steps down in the manner of Benedict XVI, we can reasonably expect him to be replaced by someone who makes his zany extremism appear to be child's play by comparison.