[Graymatter]

>>I think it'll be a European 'caretaker' Pope

I think it'll be an Italian puppet. A Vatican insider. The courtiers have had a taste of power lately, because the Pope is failing. They'll want to maintain what they enjoy. However, the Holy Spirit will have the last word. Puppets have been known to come to life. :)

[Tom D.]

It might be Cardinal Tettamanzi who is 69 or 70, but more likely it will be some third world guy. The American public fails to appreciate how socially conservative the Roman Catholic Church is. The third world Roman Church is the fastest growing and the most conservative part of it. The Cardinals are not about to elect anyone who is going to alienate the Church's fastest growing segment and are likely to elect someone who will accelerate that growth.

[Tom D.]

It might be Cardinal Tettamanzi who is 69 or 70, but more likely it will be some third world guy. The American public fails to appreciate how socially conservative the Roman Catholic Church is. The third world Roman Church is the fastest growing and the most conservative part of it. The Cardinals are not about to elect anyone who is going to alienate the Church's fastest growing segment and are likely to elect someone who will accelerate that growth.