In the end, it is up to the Holy Spirit to make the final decison. As the saying goes, Cardinal Turkson could go in thinking he is the next Pope, but he very well ends up being just a cardinal.
“Just a cardinal.”
Reminds me of a Priest-Rabbi joke.
They’re discussing vocations. The priest says that if a man is lucky enough to be called, he can become a priest.
“So?” says the Rabbil
If he’s diligent and works hard, he can rise to Monsignor.
“So?” again, from the Rabbi.
If he’s recognized widely in the community as a leader, he can become a Bishop.
“So?”
Talent, perseverance, integrity, leadership and theological purity can lead to being a Cardinal.
“So?”
And, if he’s that one among many, for all the above reasons, he can be Pope.
Again, “so?”
Exasperated, the Priest says, “Well, what do you want him to be, Jesus Christ Himself?”
Says the Rabbi, “Well, one of our boys made it, didn’t he?”