The Papal Conclave begins Monday in the Vatican to select the 265th pontiff, and I am poised to watch as much discussion as possible. Like a moth to a candle flame, I am drawn to this fascinating tradition. I could hardly raise an interest among the Joint Chiefs on Friday as to how long the cardinals would take to elect the new pope. A couple Chiefs said six votes (third day), but I think it will be just four votes. My main hunch is that these guys have had several years to think about this since JP2 had been ill, and they have also had a number of days since JP2 died to hang out and talk shop. All that's left is to cast the votes.
The Los Angeles Times reports Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became the focus of speculation that he was a leading candidate and that he has lined up 40 votes -- still far shy of the two-thirds majority necessary, but enough to generate a buzz. This matches with what one Chief said Friday that it would be "the German guy." Ratzinger was born in Germany but works in the Vatican now. His age, 78, is also a factor but in a good way, say those in the know. No one would expect a 26-year papacy from this guy, and his would be "a shorter, 'transitional' papacy that would give the church time to absorb John Paul's legacy before charting its future," reports The Los Angeles Times.
Myself, I think it will be a European, probably an Italian. The idea that it will be or should be a man from Latin America or Africa is a completely American ideal about throwing a political cookie crumb to a sub-group of Catholics. One Chief argued that the majority of Catholics are in Latin America and that the church is not growing as rapidly there under sway from protestant missionaries, so the pope should come from Latin America. Europe is losing Catholics even faster, so one could argue that a European can help get people back in the pews. No North American has been mentioned as even having a chance, but I read that nearly every conclave has resulted in at least one suprise candidate, even if that man did not become pope.
So, hang on kids. In just a few days, we'll see the smoke and hear the bells and meet the new pope. And, let speculation begin on what that pope will call himself. Newly minted popes choose names to honor previous popes and saints. Will we see JP3? My money is no.
Post your predictions, place your bets.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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4 comments:
Why the obsession with the election of another religion's leader? I don't have anything against following the papal proceedings, but I have to admit that I am curious to see so many non-Catholics closely following the elections. Why would a non-Catholic be so interested?
~Ali~
Well, first, I like to follow a lot of news events that don't directly affect me. I love politics, but I don't share the beliefs of every politician.
Second, roughly 20 percent of the world's people are Catholic. That is a huge group if individuals, and the election of their spiritual leader whose decrees will govern many of their everyday actions, is of consequence to the entire world.
Third, it is an interesting process.
Fourth, the election allows a discussion of Christian values and the m ovement away from Catholicism in favor of Islam in Europe and Asia and Protestant Christianity in much of Latin America.
Plus, I love a horse race!
-- L.
After the first day of voting: No pope.
Stay tuned.
-- L.
PopeWatch 256 is officially over, and Loganite, you were creepily accurate.
"...but I think it will be just four votes."
Four votes it was.
Although it is illegal (except, like many things, in Nevada) I think you should seriously consider taking up some form of bookmaking as a side career.
--Ferg
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