[Publius]

That's not how the Vatican works, so her sources don't know what they're talking about.

The Curia would have to invoke Article 322 of Canon Law to remove him or diminish his powers. That couldn't be done in secret.

[defconw]

Oil prices getting too high. OPEC, please relax and take it easy. World cannot take a price hike - fragile!

[greeneyes]

You are probably correct. While I didn’t necessarily believe her source, I also don’t say could not happen.

Defacto control in secret and contrary to rules does happen on occasion, using things like blackmail.