Papal Observations - Another in a series by Bonnie Blue Flag

By BonnieBlueFlag

This morning the Papal Conclave officially began with a special Mass, during which the men prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit in the selection of the next Pope. On this first day of the Papal Conclave there was a first vote taken in the afternoon, which was followed by a cloud of black smoke signaling that the new pope had not as yet been elected. Tomorrow and every day thereafter, there will be two ballots in the morning, and two more in the afternoon, until the next pope has been decided upon.

The Cardinals have had nine days since Pope John Paul II's funeral to talk among themselves, and to get to know each other in person, or by recommendation.

While many in the general public would like to see a successor with the outgoing personality and characteristics of Pope John Paul II, that is almost an impossible quest. The new Pope might be similar in many respects, but we can never hope to duplicate someone as unique as John Paul the Great.

There will be 115 Cardinals in attendance, but all 117 eligible Cardinals will be voting. Cardinals Sin and Rivera are too ill to travel to Rome.

Going into the Conclave, Cardinal Ratzinger does seem to be a leading contender to fill the Papal vacancy. He is rumored to have approximately 50 votes as the election begins.

Cardinal Ratzinger represents a very conservative view on the future direction of the Catholic Church. And, if he does indeed have 50 votes at this time, that could be a very good indication, that the Cardinals may be split into the same two camps as the rest of the world seems to be at the moment. Conservative vs. Liberal interpretations of church doctrines and how best to serve the church faithful.

Cardinal Ratzinger is seen by many as an extreme, and may therefore be unelectable as any kind of a compromise, thus he may become a pope maker rather than the pope.

Other Cardinals with a more conservative or traditional view on the future of the church would include: Cardinals Lustiger*, Biffi, Bertone, Ruini.

Cardinals who are more Liberal, and firmly believe that the changes made in the church by Pope John XXIII after Vatican Council II, should be continued and that there should perhaps be a Vatican Council III would include: Cardinals Arinze, Sodano, Martini, Danneels.

A compromise candidate could be Cardinal Ivan Dias, Archbishop of Bombay, fluent in a number of languages, well traveled, but has done many years of pastoral work. Conservative on moral issues, more moderate on social issues.

Another compromise candidate could be Cardinal Jose Da Cruz Policarpo*, of Portugal. A moderate who is not well traveled, but he could provide a bridge between Europe, South America and Africa.

*Cardinal Policarpo has a strong potential regarding the "Glory of the Olives," foretold by St. Malachy.

*Cardinal Lustiger is of Jewish decent,
which could also be the fulfillment of the "Glory of the Olives" prediction.


BonnieBlueFlag's Best Guess-One of the Following:

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger (France)

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Germany)

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (Italy)

Cardinal Ivan Dias (India)(Compromise)

Cardinal Jose Da Cruz Policarpo (Portugal)(Dark Horse)

Online Betting in Ireland as of 4/18 Afternoon:

Cardinal Francis Arinze (Nigeria) 3-1

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger (France) 11-2

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Germany) 11-2

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi (Italy) 7-1

Cardinal Claudio Hummes (Brazil) 8-1

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini (Italy) 9-1

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga (Honduras) 12-1

Cardinal Angelo Scola (Venice) 20-1

Cardinal Jose Da Cruz Policarpo (Portugal) 20-1

Cardinal Camillo Ruini (Italy) 20-1

Written by BonnieBlueFlag