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So, in all seriousness, what do folk think?

Will the Catholic Church select a Pope from the developing world? Serious talk of Cardinal Arenzi from Nigeria being considered.

This despite the fact that Cardinal Arenzi is even more conservative than JP2 was, and therefore is unlikely to do anything on the church's stance on contraception and abortion, both of which are affecting the developing world detrimentally (I acknowledge other factors such as Thabo Mbeki's ignorance are not helping matters either)

On the flipside, there is also discussion about Cardinal Ratzinger, who is leading the funeral today. He is also fairly conservative.

The only real maverick so far has been one of the Brazilian cardinals who is fairly left-wing and in favour of reforms.

The age of the new Pope is also a factor, will they go for someone younger, like with JP2, or will they go for an older Pope and run the risk of him dying early in his reign like JP1?

Probably nobody cares, and will just post photoshops of the Pope in (to their own mind) amusing scenarios...

[ben_1903]

Despite the fact that he;s really conservative like John Paul 2 i hopw its the guy from africa

That way the racist, redneck, facist 'good' catholics from Texas etc will have to get used to having a black guy as pope.

[Hogisbald]

It would be good to see the Catholic Church take a risk. Electing a black Pope would be a good start but I would like to see someone who is more liberal the Pope JP2.

The HIV epidemic in Africa and something should be done about it straight away.

[Rachie]

The BBC have a page on "top candidates"...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/201729.stm

[Metarie]

'After the lengthy papacy of John Paul II, the conclave may look for an older cardinal, who will not live so long.' (speaking about Cardinal Christoph Schonborn)

That's a little...harsh isn't it?

[Rachie]

Considering most popes end up being in their 60s when appointed... I guess John Paul kinda surprised them a bit...

he was 58 when he was appointed. reigned for quarter of a century.

truth is, they needed that after the disaster of JP1, died 33 days into his papacy.

I think they'll go for someone in their mid-60s at the very oldest.

[Hardcore Mel]

yeah died 33 days into his papacy suddenly after revealing that he was going to permit discussions on contraception.

[Hogisbald]

I know the job of the Pope involves drawing from years of experience but 60-70 years old?

The Question is, will any of them do anything about the Aids crisis in Africa?

[Rachie]

Originally Posted by tv tanned

he was 58 when he was appointed. reigned for quarter of a century.

truth is, they needed that after the disaster of JP1, died 33 days into his papacy.

I think they'll go for someone in their mid-60s at the very oldest.

The year of 3 popes. Booyah.

Originally Posted by Hoglet

The Question is, will any of them do anything about the Aids crisis in Africa?

Let's hope so aye?