it won't happen. the liberal factions of catholicism are in the US and in western europe - the two locations where catholicism is dying due to the growth of secularism and imploding birth rates. why have a pope that caters to that segment, when its fading out?
I believe you are right, but the Mrs. is very concerned. My own view is that there seems to be something of a resurgence of faith in the US. I am guardedly optimistic.