Posted on 04/06/2005 7:04:23 PM PDT by kingattax
ROME (AP) - Among the American cardinals who will vote for a successor to Pope John Paul II are several with extensive Vatican experience, which could boost their influence in the conclave.
No American is expected to be selected pope or to play kingmaker in the election. But their knowledge of Vatican politics, ability to speak Italian and relationships with other cardinals built over years in Rome could give them a strong role in marshaling support for a candidate, analysts say.
"They speak the language, they know the mind-set and they've served as diocesan bishops," said David Gibson, a former Vatican Radio newsman and author of "The Coming Catholic Church.""They are certainly vitally important in keeping open channels of communications between groups that may otherwise be cut off from one another for reasons of language and perceived agenda differences."
Americans make up 11 of the 116 cardinals expected to vote in the conclave set for April 18.
One of the U.S. churchmen likely to be most influential is Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali. He worked for more than two decades as a Vatican diplomat, serving as president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy - the Vatican's West Point for diplomats - and as the second-highest ranking official in the Congregation for Bishops, which nominates bishops.
"He's very close to Cardinal (Giovanni Battista) Re, who is considered one of the candidates and a possible kingmaker," said the Rev. Thomas Reese, editor of the Jesuit magazine America and a Vatican expert.
"He's very close to the Italians," who have the largest numbers and the most clout, Reese said.
Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is also expected to be important in the vote. He has traveled to meet Catholics around the world, often informally representing the Vatican, and has built relationships with other church leaders outside of the pressure of a papal funeral and election.
Chicago Cardinal Francis George, who is next in line to be president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, also has experience in Rome, where he served as vicar general for his religious order, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.
And New York Cardinal Edward Egan served for years as a judge on the Vatican's appellate court and took on the massive project of revising the church's Code of Canon Law. He, too, is expected to be plugged into the strategizing around the election.
The Rev. Joseph Fessio, provost of Ave Maria University in Florida, said Vatican veterans have an edge in this conclave, which is the largest in church history. They know more of the candidates, and those who aren't familiar with the contenders will rely on people with experience in Rome for advice, he said.
"Their opinion will be regarded with some seriousness," said Fessio, who has worked and studied with several cardinals based at the Vatican.
"Cardinals usually see each other in Rome. That's one reason European cardinals tend to know each other better."
Cardinal Bernard Law also has strong Vatican ties but his standing with his fellow church leaders is unclear. He resigned as archbishop of Boston in December 2002 over his role in the clergy sex abuse crisis, but retains posts in several Vatican agencies, including the Congregation for Bishops. He is now the archpriest of the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome.
Analysts say his resignation either could have undermined his reputation or generated sympathy among electors, depending on their outlook.
"In a very ironic sense, his having been in Rome the last year or two probably has increased his influence. When he was archbishop in Boston, he probably didn't know as many people as he knows now," said James Hitchcock, an expert in church history at St. Louis University.
The views of the American cardinals will not be welcomed by all in the conclave, according to Fessio. Some Catholic leaders from other countries consider the American church undisciplined, partly because of the abuse crisis. Yet, overall, several of the American cardinals will play key roles, and their standing will be augmented by the fact that none of them will be a candidate, Gibson said.
"Their fellow cardinals know the Americans aren't maneuvering to get one of their own elected," Gibson said. "The Americans essentially are the best honest brokers."
Ya kain't spiel crAP widoubt AP!
Either they will or they won't.
Doubtful. Some of them may speak Italian, but most likely this AP reporter can only speak English, so what else can she write about?
I doubt whether AP has anyone on their entire payroll that knows word one about religion, much less the Catholic religion or the nature of the Catholic Church.
I heard he's debating between Teddy Kennedy and Michael Jackson.
I'm surprised they'd let the U.S. clowns into the conclave. They have to be the pariahs of the Church.
If Cardinal George (Chicago) was a Canadian or Brazilian he'd a have a shot. A very good shot. But there will not be an American pope this time around. Or the next time. One reporter here opined that George seemed like the guy, as in the business world, sent by the "home office" to do things the boss wants done his way. That was a prescient observation. Guys like that, who stay out of trouble as he has, tend to keep moving up.
"If Cardinal George (Chicago) was a Canadian or Brazilian he'd a have a shot."
I think Cardinal George would have a real shot at it the next time around, not this time. Because he was from a religious order, he is more of an internationalist type, moved anywhere in the world. He speaks plural languages, he would be an example to the world (his leg is crippled) of living well with a disability, and he is in agreement with JPII's philosophy of conservative on moral issues, but more liberal and socially active on issues of poverty and working with minorities (which he does a lot of in Chicago). He is also an intellectual, like JPII was. He has a good sense of humor, is witty, speaks extremely well and is very polished in presentation. He's a dark horse to keep an eye on, if not this time, next time.
I might add, as much as the church is growing in third world countries (primarily Latin America and the African continent), the Vatican must also look with a practical eye to where the money to fund the church's activities comes from, and that is primarily from the U.S. and European countries. Plus, the Catholic Church has its roots in European culture, not third world culture. The church runs the risk of alienating its roots, as well as its sources of financing, if the position of Pope goes outside of European boundaries. More U.S. and European Catholics would feel even fewer ties to their religion than now. There goes the money from the offering plate.
As much as this Pope seemed at some times to rail against Capitalism as too much "all about money" (which I confess happens sometimes by some Wall Street type bad eggs), it is nevertheless true that it is this money that primarily is the source for financing charities and good works all over the world. Therefore I think the next Pope could very well be Italian (although I admit to a fondness for the Ukranian candidate). Will watch the Conclave process with great interest.
IN THEIR SQUISHY LIBERAL DREAMS....
God forbid.
If it must be a european, I hope it's the Ukranian. I love his face! I have never seen a picture of him that he isn't smiling.
U.S. Cardinals May Hold Sway in Conclave
God forbid."
I feel VERY comforted if the words of Cardinal Rigali and George are listened to. Not sure about Cardinal McCarrick and Cardinal Egan.
'Inside the Vatican' says the Cardinal of Milan is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Scary thought.
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