[Sparkvark]

I was listening to a program on the radio where this was briefly mentioned, just enough to get me curious.

[haole]

Three black men have been pope, and all are saints. The first was Pope St. Victor I, who reigned from 189 - 199 AD. He decreed the celebration of Easter on Sunday, and convinced Emperor Commodus to stop persecuting Christians. Victor died a martyr, and was buried on Vatican Hill near the tomb of St. Peter.

[austinTparty]

what do you think the chances are of a jesuit becoming the next pope

Slim to none if the current pope has anything to do with the selection. There is much speculation that the next pope may be South American or African, however... and who and who isn't "papabile" is always fodder for conversation in Vatican City.

[Dumb_Ox]

The term "Black pope" refers to the Jesuit Superior General, the head of the Jesuit order, and not to a Jesuit who has become bishop of Rome. I believe there have been a few Jesuit popes, but I can't think of any off the top of my head.

[Thinkin' Gal]

papa nero bump

[keithtoo]

Never a Jesuit pope

The Selection Process

"Potential Popes: Profiles Of the 122 electors in the College of Cardinals, 106 were appointed by John Paul II. Also, there has never been a Jesuit pope. Indeed, the word "Jesuit" has at times been used as a pejorative."

From a CNN article in 1999

[Jeremiah Jr]

I'm still here you know!

[cebadams]

I always thought the term "black" as it relates to Jesuits referred to the robes they wear -- black ones. The American Indians called Jesuit missionaries "black robes", for instance. I could be wrong about this, though.

Bump to patent

[wai-ming]

I heard there was some sort of prophecy regarding this. If a "Black Pope" portends the end of the world, perhaps we should warn the Vatican so they can hold off appointing one.