The next pope: Continuity, change or surprise? (The Dark Horse: Pierbattista Pizzaballa)

CBC ^ | 04/21/2025 | Megan Williams

[Az Joe]

Cardinals will gather in Rome to elect successor to Pope Francis

He was the great disruptor to some and the radical modernizer the Roman Catholic Church desperately needed to others.

The remarkable — and at times turbulent — 12-year papacy of Pope Francis, who died Monday, was marked by ambitious reforms, internal division and global controversy. In the coming days, cardinals from every corner of the Catholic world will begin the process of electing a successor.

In the Sistine Chapel, under the magnificent Last Judgment painted by Michelangelo half a millennia ago, 137 cardinal electors will convene and begin casting their secret, successive rounds of voting for the next leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

[Az Joe]

https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044221/https://cruxnow.com/analysis/2016/09/22/popes-potential-masterstroke-takes-charge-holy-land/

[Az Joe]

https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044221/https://cruxnow.com/analysis/2016/09/22/popes-potential-masterstroke-takes-charge-holy-land/

[Parley Baer]

IMHO the Catholic Church needs someone a lot more Conservative than the previous Pope.

[4Runner]

No one from South America or Africa. Please.

[No name given]

And not another commie.

[No name given]

My thoughts exactly.

[Az Joe]

I’m with you BUT....

[JennysCool]

Pierbattista Pizzaballa

If he isn't chosen on the basis of his name alone, I'll be crushed.

[mewzilla]

https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/04/21/diretta/morto_papa_francesco_bergoglio_reazioni_news-424140118/#424140118_event95

Per the above, both the POTUS and FLOTUS will be attending Bergoglio’s funeral.

[xp38]

Pope Pizza would be a first.

[Az Joe]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierbattista_Pizzaballa

He turned 60 today, the day of Pope Francis’ death. Comparatively young and an acolyte of Pope Francis. He is a Franciscan, a rarity among popes.

[Az Joe]

Very nice

[Opinionated Blowhard]

No one from South America or Africa. Please.

I'd be happy with Cardinal Sarah.

[Bubba_Leroy]

It would be a welcome change if the next Pope is actually Catholic.

[Rio]

Maybe not another Jesuit.

[Mean Daddy]

Francis was a Jesuit & they’re typically liberal. We talked to one about marrying outside the church & he wouldn’t do it unless the bishop OK’d and the parish priest. No go.

[mewzilla]

Meanwhile, the UK's Deep State is not amused...

Donald Trump's weirdly short statement as Pope Francis dies aged 88 US president's tribute to Pope Francis appeared to be shorter than those issued by other world leaders

[Az Joe]

Trump is not a fan

[bigbob]

Maybe they can find a Catholic this time

[Mr. Blond]

Pope Mel