Free Republic

VATICAN CITY – What happens to the mystery cardinal the late Pope John Paul II selected in 2003 but never publicly identified? Will the world ever find out who was picked? Vatican watchers wondered Monday whether there was still a way in accordance with Church law for this unidentified "prince of the Church" to take his place among the cardinals and, if he is young enough, vote for the new pope. When John Paul created new cardinals in 2003, he announced that he was keeping one name secret, or "in pectore," meaning "in the heart." This is a formula that...

VATICAN CITY For the moment, 117 cardinals are eligible to vote in a conclave to elect Pope John Paul's successor, but the number could actually be 118. When John Paul created new cardinals in 2003, he said he was keeping one name secret, or "in pectore" -- meaning "in the heart." The name remains secret until the pope announces it or leaves instructions for that to be done. The formula has been used when a pope wants to name a cardinal in a country where the church is oppressed. That's leading to speculation it could be a prelate from China,...