.... his name will be announced in the next half hour

Whatever the problems of the Catholic Chruch (and they affect only a few hundred - if that) they pale into abslute insignificance when seen against the backdrop of the ecstatic crowds in St Peters Square.

There has just been a global "shift".

The world leaders attention will suddenly be very much focussed on South America.

In The Know wrote:
Whatever the problems of the Catholic Chruch (and they affect only a few hundred - if that)


A few hundred - if that?

in a rare and puzzling moment... I wuz wrong and he wasn't Italian but yes...this puts emphasis on SA.

hedda wrote:
in a rare and puzzling moment... I wuz wrong and he wasn't Italian but yes...this puts emphasis on SA.

The Cardinals were quite clever when you think about it.

A Vatican "outsider" - but a simple man, but one who can relate to the people.

They chose someone from the fastest growing region for the Church - but also someone who has strong Italian ties too. The name Francis topped-it all off.

V Clever

hedda was wrong about being wrong..... Argentinian with Italian parents.

fancy doubting my own brilliance

hedda wrote:
hedda was wrong ..... Argentinian with Italian parents.

... I had to explain it to you AGAIN, hedda !

I'm more convinced than ever that Pope Emeritus, had planned this retirement to "lift" the stress on ageing Pontiffs.

With medical advances people will live longer - but that does not mean also that their thought process will remain as sharp and intact as it previously had been.

A classic example of a similar situation is Randall Davidson. Until about 80 years ago EVERY Archbishop of Canberbury had died in office (like most Popes were expected to).

Davidson retired.

Since then EVERY Archbishop of Canterbury has retired and none have died "in office".

I expect Pope Francis to serve about 5 years (give or take a year or two) before retiring.

Even US Presidents are not allowed to serve more than 8 years - no matter how young they are, and to be eminently qualified to be Pontiff you must have achieved a certain age to start with.

Cardinals over the age of 80 no longer take part in the Conclave, and this is the automatic next step.

In The Know wrote:

I expect Pope Francis to serve about 5 years

For once, I'd agree.

So, no continuity again.

And another 'conclave' in 2018 - with another OAP taking over.

With no progress relating to abuse (and all the other problems)...in EVERY country!

The catholic church's largest expenses now - are legal fees and damages/fines/costs.

Sad, it is currently unable to do what it was set up for.