Hi goanetters and friends,
Melbourne newspapers are saying: "To satisfy the opposing factions of the Catholic Church, the next Pope may have to be a very clever compromise". I tend to agree with this analysis.
A relatively unknown Portuguese Cardinal, Jose da Cruz Policarpo, archbishop of Lisbon, could become the compromised choice, on the third day of the conclave , if the conservative and reforming factions succesfully block each other. Ratzinger has limited support, and the Italian camp is divided over who to put up for election; the N. American camp is not liked; and then it is left to the S American and the Asian and African camps to decide who to elect as the leader and Pope.
Of the 117 Cardinals, 58 are European; Latin America 21, N America 14, Africa 11, Asia 11, and Oceania 2. Thats the line up.
May the Holy Spirit guide the Cardinals in their mighty and weighty task! Amen.
Nasci Caldeira Down Under.
