Appointed by the late pope “en pectore,” or in secret, Benítez’s very presence is a threat to the careful balance of the conclave.

They have warned the most immediate threat is volcanic smog which could reach inhabited areas downwind.

He generally prefers to use economic threats to bring the rest of the world to heel, but he is all about American dominance.

The threat he posed was considered "too unspecific", according to one assessment, while one tip-off against him in September 2023 appears to have fallen through the cracks.

The league leaders still possess the attacking riches and threat of his predecessor but with the Dutchman's tweaks adding greater composure.