The election of a Pope is an act of faith, not a political act. Therefore whoever is elected is the Vicar of Christ, since we know in faith that Christ Jesus in person leads his Church.

“When Benedict XVI was elected I immediately and with joy accepted it as the will of God certain that he was the man God willed to be Pope” said Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil. (25 April 2005) Fides News Agency