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Antonio Socci has a new book out this month with the thesis that the last conclave is null and void

Birtherism goes Roman now is it?

The voting at the conclave was rigged?

Just what is it?

Those pesky "Protestants" (whoever those guys are) have a Karl Rovian mind-control machine with which they beamed messages into the conclave

vote for the Jesuit vote for the Jesuit

vote for the South American Jesuit???

Something like that?

Not at all. The theory is that if Pope Benedict XVI's resignation was in any way coerced, it was invalid according to Church law. Coercion can take many forms, including a threat of assassination. Remember this headline from 2012? Report Of Plot To Kill Pope Benedict XVI Is Untrue, Vatican Says

One theory is that Pope Benedict XVI resigned, not because he feared for his life, but because he feared for the chaos his assassination would cause for the Church. But that too would constitute a form of coercion, according to this theory.

I do not believe this theory but some rad Trads do.

If the Synod comes out with some heterodox actions or statements, however, this theory will instantly gain credibility among many orthodox Catholics.