[sinkspur]

That works in his favor Deacon. The Curia has endured cades of their "Polish Pope", now they want an older man who won't be as "difficult".

JPII's not dead yet.

If he lives another three-five years, Arinze will not be a papabile.

[ninenot]

There's more than just Kerry at play here.

If the Bishops make the declaration in the case of Kerry, they have to make the declaration in the cases of THOUSANDS of State and Local pols as well.

It would be more than a thunderclap: it would be an earthquake.

I suspect that THAT is the part they are trying to manage properly. At this point, every sentient American knows that Kerry is at odds with the Church; he's not really the issue, although he is the most visible target.