The Very Best Analysis of Papal Candidates... From an Odd Source

Paddy Power ^ | n/a | Paddy Power

[dangus]

		Outsiders to watch »
	A little about some of the candidates... Francis Arinze - Born 1st November 1932 (Age: 70) Arinze would be the first African Pope since Gelasius I in the fifth century. Like John Paul II Arinze holds strong conservative views on abortion, contraception & homosexuality. Arinze believes that theologically all people come from the same God and his desire to improve inter-faith relations would see many other religions being welcomed by the Catholic Church What will go in his favour? His conservative views. His ability to improve and encourage Inter-faith relations He is well respected by fellow cardinals It is believed that cardinals would like a Pope from the developing world, where the church has it's largest following Not in his favour Psychologically and spiritually the West may not be ready to welcome a black Pope and this may effect the Cardinals decisions when they go to vote. It is not a race issue but more about people’s mentality. Cardinals may not want much focus on improving inter-faith relations within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga – Born 29th December 1942 (Age: 62) Many people believe that Maradiaga is the man who could ably succeed John Paul. He campaigned for third world debt relief alongside Bono it is thought he would make a charismatic Pope like John Paul II. There is no doubt that Maradiaga would appeal to many different countries/cultures. He can speak over eight different languages and can even fly a plane! What will go in his favour? He speaks over eight different languages He is active and willing to get involved with worldly issues Latin American – Third world which has more Catholics than any other continent Not in his favour He might be slightly too young although John Paul was younger at 58 when he was elected Pope He compared the media to Hitler in the past! Tettamanzi - Born March 14th 1934 (Age: 71) Dionigi Tettamanzi is the Archbishop of Milan (The most powerful archdiocese in the world). The fact that John Paul II promoted him from Cardinal of Genoa to Archbishop of Milan is one of the main reasons why he is considered to be the favourite to succeed as Pope. Highly popular and respected by his fellow Cardinals, Tettamanzi would lead the church in the same conservative direction that John Paul II did. What will go in his favour? Almost all voting cardinals were elevated to be "princes of the Church" by John Paul II, making it likely that his conservative views will continue into the next Papacy. If elected it would see the Papacy return to an Italian cardinal. As Archbishop of Milan he has powerful countrymen and Opus Dei (Conservative Roman Catholic Group) behind him. An affable, humble man, he has a friendly face and it has even been said that he resembles the great Pope John XXIII Not in his favour It is expected that the newly elected Pope will be someone who can reach out to different countries/cultures. Tettamanzi does not speak English which would limit his ability to communicate as well as John Paul II. He might not be deemed "worldly" enough. While not as old as some of the cardinals he is a lot older than what John Paul was when elected Pope. Joseph Ratzinger – Born 16th April 1927 ( Age: 77) German Cardinal Ratzinger has an added advantage – he leads the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Many have suggested he is somewhat a vice Pope who acts on initiative and is not afraid to make important decisions which many would expect the Pope to make. John Paul asked Ratzinger to stay on for five more years when he suggested he might resign. What will go in his favour? Ratzinger is the Dean of the college of cardinals & respected by his fellow brothers Not in his favour Some would consider him too old at 77. Claudio Hummes – Born 8th August 1934 (Age: 70) Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Hummes is a soft spoken Franciscan conservative. What will go in his favour? He is a member of the increasingly powerful South American group that now makes up almost one fifth of the electors. John Paul II admired Claudio Hummes At 70 he would be the perfect age to succeed the Pope Known worldwide for defending the poor. Not in his favour Has strict views with regards to contraception and the Cardinals might want the church to lean in a more liberal direction. Might not be as charismatic as the likes of Maradiaga or Ratzinger. Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini – Born 15th Feb 1927 (Age: 78) Italian cardinal Carlo Maria Martini is a liberal and if made Pope would certainly see the Catholic Church edge away from the old conservative views of John Paul. He retired as archbishop of Milan in 2002 and took up a life of prayer in Rome & Jerusalem. While Martini has a lot of support from a large group of cardinals the chances of him becoming Pope are slim especially since it was revealed that he suffers from a form of Parkinson’s disease. What will go in his favour? If the cardinals opt for a more Liberal minded Pope Martini would be their man. If the cardinals vote in favour of the Papacy returning to the Italians he is a contender. Not in his favour At 78 he may be considered a little too old He suffers with the same disease John Paul II suffered with – Parkinson’s Electors may choose a Pope who holds strong conservative views like John Paul. Here’s Where it gets interesting… Jean Marie Lustiger – Born 17th September 1926 (Age: 78) Lustiger is retired now but was the Archbishop of Paris. He was a chief confidant of Pope John Paul II and is considered by many as prime candidate to be elected to the highest office. He was born into a Jewish Polish family in France but at thirteen he converted to Catholicism. If Lustiger were to become Pope he would be the first converted Jew ever elevated to Papacy since Peter. Also if Malachy’s Prophecies are anything to go by 12/1 is probably much too generous odds! According to the prophecy, the next Pope will be the penultimate Pope Gloria Olivae (“Glory of the Olives”). The order of St. Benedict has claimed that this Pope will come from their ranks. St. Benedict himself prophesised that before the end of the world his Order, known as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in it’s fight against evil. The Olive branch is traditionally associated with peace and also serves as an emblem for the Jews. Could the prophecy of the Jewish conversion take place? The only real thing going against Lustiger to succeed as Pope is his age - The next few days will reveal all!

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		« Back to main Candidates
	Some strong outsiders to watch... Angelo Scola (Italy), Born 7th November 1941 (Age: 63) While Scola is not deemed one of the favourites in the betting, there is no doubt that all eyes will be on him in the conclave, for he is the patriarch of Venice and so far Venice has produced three 20 th century popes – Pius X, the popular John XXIII and John Paul I. In 1982 he was appointed to the faculty at the John Paul II institute for marriage and family, which was created to defend the pope’s strong conservative views on issues such as divorce, contraception, abortion and homosexuality, etc. Scola is gracious and warm and could very well succeed as the new Pontiff. What will go in his favour? His conservative views Fluent in several languages His age Being Patriarch of Venice, if the Papacy was to return to the Italians Not in his favour Cardinals may not want to see the Papacy returned to the Italians Might not be as charismatic as some cardinals Cardinals may not want the next Popes reign to be a long one and could opt for someone that little bit older. Jorge Mario Bergoglio: Born Dec 17th 1936 (Age: 68) Bergoglio from Buenos Aires if made Pope at 68, would be the first member of the Jesuit order to reach the highest seat in the Roman Catholic Church. Unusually, Bergoglio first studied chemistry before deciding to enter the priesthood. If elected, Pope Bergoglio would shy away from the attention that John Paul so frequently received and would opt instead for a simple, quiet life. He speaks Spanish, Italian and German and it is said he is close to Communion & Liberation, one of the conservative movements that John Paul supported with the intention of changing peoples views of the Church in the face of growing secularisation in developed countries. What goes in his favour? He holds conservative views just like John Paul II Ideal age Fellow cardinals respect him He speaks three languages Cardinals might opt for a quieter Pope after John Paul to allow them to decide what direction they want the Catholic Church to go. Not In his favour The fact that Bergoglio is a Jesuit could go against him. The influential order was founded in the 16 th century to serve the popes and some Jesuits oppose the idea of one of their own actually becoming a pope. If the cardinals opt for an energetic, charismatic cardinal to succeed as Pope, Bergoglio wouldn’t quite fit the bill. Cardinal Angelo Sodano – Born 23rd November 1927 (Age: 77) If the electors were to opt for an older cardinal for the Papacy the Italian cardinal Angelo Sodano (the Vatican Secretary of State) would certainly be in the running. Sodano, having held the top job in the Curia since 1991, is something of a super-diplomat. Sodano called the late Pope “John Paul the great”. It is thought that many cardinals share his views and could see him as a safe choice to lead the Church until they decide what direction the Catholic Church should go in. What will go in his favour? The cardinals might see him as “a safe pair of hands” for the Papacy to fall into. He has the experience, contacts & utmost respect from the cardinals. Not in his favour At 77, he might be considered too old. He lacks the charisma that the great John Paul II had.

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[dangus]

I know a betting site is an odd source, but hey... it represents the composite views of those with an interest.

[mtbopfuyn]

Oh, sure, let's put in a 70-something year old Pope and rush along St. Malachy's prophecy.

[dangus]

I should say that by "best," I meant their odds were realistic and their reasoning strong.

[dangus]

... but three of the other candidates are just about as old (77-78 years old.)

[NeoCaveman]

Oh, sure, let's put in a 70-something year old Pope and rush along St. Malachy's prophecy.

Why prolong the invetiable? :D

[Siobhan]

Let's just make sure the Patriarch of Lisbon, Cardinal da Cruz Policarpo does not become Pope. He is a liberal nightmare from hell for any of us who John Paul II.

I'm posting this here because people are starting to mention his name as a compromise candidate, and he is the LOSER who said the legacy of Pope John Paul II should not influence the Conclave, and he is the LOSER who came out in support of the EU Constitution against the wishes of Pope John Paul II, and he is.....

So pray, pray, pray that if any Portuguese Cardinal is elected it is not da Cruz Policarpo --- I'm dying just thinking about that possibility!!!! If it is going to be a Portuguese Cardinal, oh dearest Lord of Mercy let it be Cardinal Saraiva Martins and not the Judas of Lisbon.

Yes, I know I am having a fit....

[dangus]

Your fervor is commendable. But know this: I haven't seen Policrapo mentionned as a Papabili. It seems the Church isn't thrilled with his mishandling but doesn't want to lend creedence to the notion that the shrine was desecrated. But even were he to become the next Pope, you have nothing to fear. The Holy Spirit will protect the Church from error. As I know you know.

[Salvation]

I like the format of this.

[Siobhan]

From an American San Diego website:

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20050414-0856-pope-contenders.html

From the Guardian in the UK

Portuguese patriarch is dark horse papal candidate

[dangus]

:^D.

No. I'm a bad boy.

[bornacatholic]

I wish commentatots had the ability to think outside political categories. Any Orthodox Prelate (should we have any other kind?)is labelled "conservative" while any heretical Prelate ("favors contraception, etc) is labelled "liberal."

[NYer]

Prayers for the Cardinals confronted with this decision and an appeal to the Holy Spirit to guide them in it.

Catholic Ping
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[Frank Sheed]

Overlooking a bright star. Note his ordination date and the fact that the Vatican has run in the red for several years. He is a staunch conservative to boot.

DIAS, Ivan (1936-

Birth. April 14, 1936, Bombay, India.

Education. Seminary of Bombay, Bombay; Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome; Pontifical Lateran University, Rome (doctorate in canon law). He speaks Hindu, English, Italian, Spanish and French.

Priest. Ordained, December 8, 1958, Bombay, by Cardinal Valerian Gracias, archbishop of Bombay. Pastoral work in Bombay, 1958-1961. Further studies, Rome, 1961-1964. Privy chamberlain of His Holiness, December 4, 1964 (title changed to chaplain of His Holiness, 1968). Worked in the secretariat of State preparing the visit of Pope Paul VI to the International Eucharistic Congress of Bombay, 1964. From 1965 to 1973, secretary of nunciatures in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Indonesia, Madagascar, La Reunion Island, Comore Island and Mauritius. From 1973 to 1982, in the secretariat of State, head of the section for the Soviet Union, the Baltic States, Bielorussia, Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, China, Viet Nâm, Laos, Cambodia, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania.

Episcopate. Elected titular archbishop of Rusubisir and appointed pro-nuncio in Ghana, Togo and Benin, May 8, 1982. Consecrated, June 19, 1982, Vatican City, by Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, secretary of State. Nuncio in Korea, June 20, 1987. Nuncio in Albania, October 28, 1991. Apostolic administrator of apostolic administration of Southern Albania, 1992-1996. Transferred to metropolitan see of Bombay, November 8, 1997. Attended Special Assembly for Asia of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, April 19-May 14, 1998.

Cardinalate. Created cardinal priest in the consistory of February 21, 2001; received the red biretta and the title of Spirito Santo alla Ferratella, February 21, 2001. Member of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of the Organizational and Economic Problems of the Holy See, March 10, 2001. Attended X Ordinary Assembly of the World Synod of Bishops, Vatican City, September 30-October 27, 2001; president delegate. Special papal envoy to the celebrations programmed in Tirana, April 25, 2003, for the 10th anniversary of the papal visit to Albania.

[Desdemona]

Martini? Did I read that correctly? As a CANDIDATE??????

Should he even be in the room?

[franky]

This overview must be a few years old. Arinz is listed as 70 when he realy is 72 and will be 73 Nov. 1

[AnAmericanMother]

Tettamanzi a conservative? Somebody's smoking something. He's pro-gay and liturgically a loose cannon.

[Siobhan]

Lighting a candle to St. Joseph.