Go here to read the story. (I know, I know, it is from the National Distorter, but I have been hearing this from other sources also.) The time honored strategy for a Cardinal becoming Pope is to act as if having the job is the last thing in the world you want. Appear too eager and the other Cardinals will assume you are a power hungry maniac who will be hell to serve under. This was of course written before Parolin’s health emergency. He is toast.
Conclave Watch: Up Fast and Down Fast
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
I know I will be accused of being crazy, or giving a purely wishful interpretation, but I would not be surprised if Cardinal Sarah gets elected quickly as a compromise choice. Holy man, who stayed above the mess, who happens to be African, seems in great shape for almost eighty. I think the Cardinals might kick the can down the road and let some new Cardinals be formed for the next go round. Some of the American Cardinals are beyond terrible.
I agree with Matthew, and I hope it’s not just wishful thinking on my part. The St. Gallen group that maneuvered to get their man Bergoglio elected in the last conclave haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory in the dozen years since. Cardinals outside that clique might be very resistant to signing on for a second helping of Francis-style ‘Lio’.
Leaders should inspire. Parolin looks overwhelmingly uninspiring. That’s just one of the superficial reasons he should not be our next Pope.
I’ve read that Cardinal Zen is making the rounds. He reportedly is asking the others to keep in mind how the Chinese faithful have been abandoned to the CCP’s tender mercies by the deals Parolin was instrumental in making. FWIW.
Just a guess, but the 2/3 rule should eliminate the also rans about the third ballot. This would pave the pave the way for someone a bit older and noncontroversial to give everyone a breathing spell. Fourth ballot sounds about right.