Posted on 02/11/2005 2:17:29 AM PST by Robert Drobot
Edited on 02/11/2005 2:29:06 AM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]
Sickness is not preventing John Paul II from fighting out his last battle. But in the meantime, maneuvers over his succession are underway.
In short, two or three Italian candidates might enter the conclave and jockey for leadership, as happened between Giuseppe Siri and Giovanni Benelli in the memorable head-to-head of the second conclave of 1978, the one from which a new man, Wojtyla, finally emerged.
(Excerpt) Read more at chiesa.espressonline.it ...
Ping for next pope.
Interesting article, although I'd be really, really surprised if Ratzinger got it. As for the others, I'm not sure being a close friend of a current pope necessarily means one is going to be considered to take his place.
The person I'd like to see as the next Pope is the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Ruoco. But, alas, I never even see his name appear in the "papabile" speculations, so I think chances are pretty slim. Make that nonexistent.
The next pope should have conservative credentials.
John Paul II, and if I remember what I've read correctly, John XXIII never appeared on anyone's papabile lists.
There is some tension: Some would like a short-termer, cince this Pope has carried on so long; but that would mean an elderly Pope, and others are hoping for someone who would not be soon infirmed.
Yes, and look for someone who was elevanted at the last consistory; Pope John Paul II said shortly before it that he didn't believe the next Pope had yet been elevated.
Personally, I think that would be a good idea. While JPII has done many good things, one thing that I do not like is the fact that he has replaced everything in the Church with the "according to JPII" version.
Popes usually create "doctrine" the way judges do, by responding to particular cases; they don't create it the way law professors do, by writing textbooks, as this pope has done with his writings that now seem to be quoted more often than those of any other Catholic writer from the past 2000 years. Even the Rosary was not left untouched by JPII.
I would rather see the next Pope be someone who concentrated on the immediate issues of Church governance and left the theoretical to scholars and saints, doing nothing but review it for orthodoxy. A short-termer would probably have the courage to brave the wolves that have gotten into the Church and attempt to get them out. On the other hand, if the short-termer turned out to be an ally of the wolves, at least his term would be limited. But as you say, this would mean an older man, and I'd be surprised if the Council picks someone who is elderly and infirm looking.
Me too. It's one reason I like Ratzinger, even though he's an old guy.
the cardinal of Vienna, Cristoph Schönborn, who is frequently cited as another candidate for the papacy.
I have a bad feeling about this fellow. Saw him speak a few months ago, and am not impressed.
While mine is not a significant voice, I oppose Schönborn for cause.
I have read Schonborn lost credibility due to his proximity to the Austrian seminary scandal. Plus, Catholics are leaving the Church in Austria in protest.
Neither is a plus on the resume, imo.
**Pope John Paul II said shortly before it that he didn't believe the next Pope had yet been elevated.**
Had not heard this before.
My cause is that here in New Orleans I heard him say that the Church needn't bother with evangelising the Jews, since they already have a saving covenant. That the discovery of this and the accompanying revolution in Jewish - Catholic relations is a "new thing" that God is doing.
It was not what I was expecting. Even though I'd been upset by his own local goings-on, I still thought the man had theological integrity. Now I don't.
Rome's Next Choice? [TIME: "Arch-Conservative" Ratzinger is top Papabile]
Lent in the Vatican: The Pope, the Curia, and the Conclave ( Who's On First )
POPE: 117 CARDINALS ON STANDBY FOR CONCLAVE
Papal Transition (what happens between one pope and the next)
Vatican Bracing for Papal Succession
When Sad Day Comes, Eyes of World Will Be on Papal Selection [How next Pope will be chosen]
Mahony Flies To Rome For Solemnities, Conclave (Cardinal from Los Angeles to Visit Vatican)
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