[AmishDude]

It would seem to me that this would be less of an effect these days. First, communication is much better. Second, church issues and alliances are global and traditionalists in America have a better relationship with traditionalists in Europe than they do with their own liberal countrymen.

[sinkspur]

Cardinals in outlying dioceses simply don't know each other, or the Curial cardinals, very well.

Americans and Europeans won't pick the next Pope without strong support from the third world.